recipes
Mediterranean Eggplant & Pepper Spread: Croatian Ajvar Recipe
Ajvar (Eggplant & Peppers) Recipe 🍆🌶️
Description: This Croatian appetizer is a delightful blend of eggplant, sweet peppers, and aromatic garlic, seasoned to perfection with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. It’s a flavorful spread perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 258.8 per serving
- Dietary Information: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants
- 6 red sweet peppers
- 1 green sweet pepper
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 garlic clove
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup olive oil (approx.)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 2 | Wash the eggplants and sweet peppers, then pat them dry. |
| 3 | Place the whole eggplants and sweet peppers on a baking tray and bake them in the preheated oven until they are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 45-60 minutes. |
| 4 | Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. |
| 5 | While the vegetables are still hot, carefully peel off the skins. They should come off easily. |
| 6 | Chop or mince the peeled eggplants and sweet peppers and place them in a mixing bowl. |
| 7 | Season the chopped vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 8 | Crush the garlic clove and add it to the bowl of vegetables. |
| 9 | Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture. |
| 10 | Gradually stir in the olive oil, incorporating as much as the vegetables will absorb. The oil adds richness and helps bind the spread together. |
| 11 | Mix all the ingredients well until evenly combined. The flavors should meld together beautifully. |
| 12 | Transfer the ajvar mixture into a glass dish, spreading it out evenly. |
| 13 | Garnish the top of the spread with freshly chopped parsley, adding a pop of color and freshness. |
| 14 | Serve the ajvar at room temperature with your favorite bread, crackers, or as a condiment for grilled meats. Enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors! |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 258.8
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 21.4g
- Fiber: 9.9g
- Sugar: 11.4g
- Protein: 3.6g
This ajvar recipe offers a burst of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. With its low protein and low cholesterol content, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings with friends and family. Give this Croatian specialty a try and indulge in its rich Mediterranean goodness! 🇭🇷🍽️
