Homemade Roasted Eggplant Pepper Spread (Ajvar)

Today’s recipe is something we promised we would share, about a year ago. We are finally going to tell you our secret recipe on how to make a Homemade Roasted Eggplant Pepper Spread.

This spread is originally from Balkan countries, it’s very popular there, especially during the winter months. The original name of this amazing spread is Ajvar. Most women start preparing Ajvar in September when peppers are in season. They usually buy enough peppers to fill 10-30 jars at least. It’s the most common canned food there. 
If you ever had a chance to visit any of the smaller towns or villages in Balkan countries in September, then you know that you the whole air smells on roasted peppers. 🙂 Everyone is preparing enough stock to last until the next year.

 
This recipe is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

If you haven’t checked already, see our non vegan Homemade Cheesy Italian Sandwiches, we used Ajvar as one of the main ingredients. Besides that, see our Corn Bread recipe, it goes perfectly with the spread.
Prep time: 15 min   Cook time: 115 min   Total: 130 min   Servings: 6

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INGREDIENTS

• 5-6 red bell peppers
• 1 medium-size eggplant
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

• How to roast the peppers & eggplant: Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). Without adding any spices or oil, add washed peppers and eggplant (both whole) into a baking dish and roast them for about 25 minutes. When they are done, let them cool, in a closed dish, for 10 minutes. Remove the skin and the seeds from the peppers. Scoop out the flesh from the eggplant (removing skin).
• Transfer roasted peppers and eggplant into a food processor. Add garlic, sea salt, and the black pepper. Process on medium until roughly chopped. Set aside
• In a medium-size pot, heat the olive oil. Add the processed mixture and vinegar. Stir everything well. Cover the lid and let it cook for 90 minutes on medium heat. 
• Transfer the cooked spread into a prepared jar (cleaned and heated up to be completely sterilized). To check how to sterilize jars see these instructions.
• Enjoy your Homemade Roasted Eggplant Pepper Spread! 

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