Ajvar

I first tasted ajvar while traveling through Croatia, and it instantly won me over. This rich, smoky pepper spread is deeply nourishing and packed with flavour—ticking all the boxes for the perfect dip. With its velvety texture, gentle heat, and subtle sweetness from roasted peppers, ajvar is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it with warm flatbread, grilled meats, or simply spreading it on toast, this is one recipe that deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Charring the vegetables and adding smoked paprika adds such a warm earthy note, it is the perfect foil for sweet peppers and the tang of chilli and vinegar

This dip is as at home piled onto crispy bread as it is scooped up on salt and vinegar crisps…

ajvar, roasted peppers, red pepper dip, dip, croatian food, batic food, red peppers, easy recipes, side dish, breakfast dish, vegan recipes, aubergine, baba ganoush, salsa

Author: Suze Morrison

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Ajvar

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 20 M

I first tasted ajvar while traveling through Croatia, and it instantly won me over. This rich, smoky pepper spread is deeply nourishing and packed with flavour—ticking all the boxes for the perfect dip. With its velvety texture, gentle heat, and subtle sweetness from roasted peppers, ajvar is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it with warm flatbread, grilled meats, or simply spreading it on toast, this is one recipe that deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients

• 6 Red Romano Peppers
• ½ Red Onion, finely sliced
• 1 Aubergine
• 4 Cloves garlic, sliced
• 50ml Olive Oil
• 1tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
• 2tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1tsp Chilli Flakes
• Salt & Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Line a baking tray with foil and preheat oven 200C. Rub the peppers and aubergine with a little olive oil and roast for 20-30 minutes or until soft and charred. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan and add the onion and garlic. Sweat for 10-15 minutes or until sweet and translucent
2. Allow to cool then remove the skins and stems from the vegetables. Add to a blender, along with the onions and garlic. Pulse to break down then add the remaining ingredients. Blend to a puree.
3. Put the puree into a medium sized pan and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper or vinegar to your liking.
4. Allow to cool and serve either spread on bread or as a dip for crisps and crackers.

https://gourmetglow.co.uk/recipes/ajvar

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