Ajvar Sauce Recipe

Ajvar Sauce

Also known as vegetarian caviar, ajvar sauce is one of the most famous dishes of Balkan cuisine. Its origin is rumored to be Macedonian. Ajvar sauce, which is mainly made with roasted eggplant and pepper and has a characteristic appearance with its orange color, is widely consumed both in main meals and in snacks. Bon Appetit!

In a Nutshell:

Ingredients:

For: 8 People
Prep: 20 Min
Eggplant (Big Belt) 4   Qty
Red Capia Pepper (Big Meat) 2   Qty
Dry Onion (Medium White) 1   Qty
Rock Salt 1   Tbsp
Black Pepper 1   Tsp
Garlic 5   Clove
Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) 2   Tbsp

Steps:

  1. Wash and dry the peppers and eggplants and pierce them 5-6 times with a toothpick and roast them on the stove. You can also roast it in an oven heated to 200 degrees.
  2. Put the roasted peppers and eggplants in a freezer bag and cool, so that their skins will come off more easily. Cut the cooled vegetables in the middle and remove the core parts. Chop it coarsely and pass it through the rondo.
  3. Finely chop the garlic and onions and fry them in the heated olive oil in the pan until they turn pink. Grate the tomato, whose skins are removed and seeds are removed from the middle, and add to the sauce.
  4. Add the finely chopped aubergines and peppers to the tomatoes that absorb the juice and thicken, and cook on low heat until they merge and get a sauce consistency. Add the olive oil, salt and pepper.
  5. While the sauce is hot, transfer it to sterilized jars, turn the jars upside down, cover them and leave to cool. You can store your cooled jars in the fridge for up to 3-6 months. Bon Appetit!

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Benefits of Ingredients in Ajvar Sauce

Keep in mind: You can click on each ingredient to find other recipes that use that ingredient.

  • Eggplant: Eggplant, thanks to anthocyanins giving its purple color, is a powerful antioxidant source; particularly nasunin supports brain health. Its high fiber content aids digestion and promotes satiety. It's rich in vitamin K and potassium. An indispensable part of Mediterranean cuisine, eggplant perfectly pairs with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, lamb, yogurt, and mint. It can be transformed into many healthy and delicious dishes.
  • Red Capia Pepper: Red bell pepper is a powerful antioxidant and an excellent source of Vitamin C, far exceeding oranges. It supports skin health by contributing to collagen production and contains beneficial lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. Its high fiber content aids digestion, while also boosting the immune system. This versatile vegetable pairs wonderfully with olive oil, garlic, onion, tomato, chicken, and cheese, whether roasted or consumed raw.
  • Dry Onion: Dry onion is a kitchen staple and a powerful antioxidant source. Its quercetin content helps protect the body against free radicals, reduces inflammation, and may support heart health. Rich in Vitamins C and B6, and manganese, it strengthens the immune system. Its prebiotic fibers contribute to digestive health. It is widely used in dishes ranging from meat dishes to vegetable sautés, pilafs, and soups. It pairs perfectly with garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and red meat.
  • Black Pepper: Black pepper, a kitchen staple, offers not just flavor but also significant health benefits. Thanks to piperine, its active compound, it boasts powerful antioxidant properties, helping to combat free radicals. It can stimulate the digestive system, enhancing nutrient absorption and notably increasing the bioavailability of curcumin found in turmeric. Additionally, it's effective in reducing gas and bloating. It also has a mild metabolism-boosting effect. With a wide range of uses from red meats to poultry, vegetable dishes to soups, it pairs excellently. It harmonizes perfectly with spices like cumin and coriander, as well as ingredients like lemon and garlic, adding depth to dishes.

  • Garlic: Garlic, thanks to its allicin compound, offers strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can boost the immune system, increasing resistance against illnesses. Furthermore, it contributes to cardiovascular health by helping regulate blood pressure and balance cholesterol levels. Widely used in traditional medicine, garlic is also known for its digestive support effects. An indispensable ingredient in meat dishes, vegetable sautés, and Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil, especially in its extra virgin form, is a powerful source of health benefits due to its high content of polyphenol antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid). It supports heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). With its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces inflammation in the body, prevents cell damage, and provides protection against chronic diseases. It supports the digestive system and contributes to skin health. An indispensable part of Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with salads, vegetable dishes, fish, legumes, and fresh bread.

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