World Flavors Cookbook

Ajvar

Name: Ajvar
Cook time: 180 min
Cuisine: North Macedonia
Ingredients: 10kg red bell peppers (ajvarka variety), 3kg eggplants, 1L sunflower oil, 100ml white vinegar, salt to taste

A legendary roasted red pepper and eggplant relish. Often called "Balkan caviar," it is the soul of Macedonian autumn.

Cuisine: North Macedonia

Ingredients

10kg red bell peppers (ajvarka variety), 3kg eggplants, 1L sunflower oil, 100ml white vinegar, salt to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the peppers and eggplants over an open flame or in the oven until the skin is charred. 2. Place in a bag to steam, then peel and remove seeds. 3. Drain the vegetables overnight. 4. Grind the vegetables through a meat grinder. 5. Cook the mixture in a large pot over low heat, adding oil gradually and stirring constantly for several hours until thick. 6. Add vinegar and salt toward the end. 7. Store in sterilized jars.