• Newsletters
  • Subscribe

Homemade Ajvar

36

  • Prep Time15 min
  • Total Time1 h 10 min
  • Makes2 1/2 cups
overhead shot of red Ajvar spread in a light blue bowl.

Photo, Carmen Cheung. Food styling, Ashley Denton. Prop styling, Madeleine Johari.

Chatelaine Triple Tested

Red bell peppers and eggplant combine into a delicious Ajvar spread.

Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant, halved (about 750g)

  • 3 large red peppers

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

  • 4 tsp white vinegar

  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  • 1. Position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 475F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Pierce eggplant all over with a fork, then place cut-side down on prepared sheet with peppers. Bake, turning peppers every 10 min, until very tender and skin is charred, 35 to 40 min. Transfer peppers to a large bowl, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let stand to cool slightly, about 20 min.

    2. Scrape out eggplant fresh with a spoon from skin and place between 2 clean kitchen towels to absorb excess liquid. It should measure about 1 1⁄4 cups. Discard skin. Remove and discard skin, stems and seeds from peppers.

    3. Whirl garlic and salt in a food processor, then add eggplant and peppers. Purée until blended, about 2 min. Add oil, vinegar and paprika, and pulse to blend.

Nutrition (per 2 tbsp)

Calories 39, Protein 1g, Carbohydrates 5g, Fat 2g, Fibre 1g, Sodium 116mg.
Excellent source of Vitamin C.

Kitchen tip: Homemade Ajvar is a great alternative to pizza sauce. Try out our Whole Wheat Mediterranean Pizza with Ajvar recipe.

Chatelaine celebrates, inspires, informs and empowers. We know that Canadian women contain multitudes, and we cover all of the issues—big and small—that matter to them, from climate change to caregiving, Canadian fashion and what to cook now.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Copy link
The cover of the Chatelaine Summer 2025 issue, featuring a pink drink with a paper straw.

Subscribe to Chatelaine!

In our Summer 2025 issue, we get real about what sex is like after 40. Plus, living together after divorce, our favourite beauty products of the year and 17 incredibly summery recipes, from ceviche to sour cherry cobbler.