You can eat ajvar all on its own with a spoon. Or add it to a plate with some green onions, vegan yogurt or vegan feta, bread, and you have a quick and tasty picnic for one. Other versions are ideal for spreading on slices of bread. In Bosnia they serve ajvar as a side to grilled meat and vegetables or kebabs; though cevapi—little fingers of ground meat seasoned with salt and garlic, then wrapped in fat and seared over a wood fire—are the real deal there. Which, of course has its vegan version, too, so you don't have to miss on anything.
- 2 aubergines
- 4 red bell peppers/ capers
- 1 small chili pepper
- 1 large tomato
- 1 full head garlic
- salt, pepper
- 1/2 dl olive oil
- few drops lemon juice
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 240°C (470°F)
Take a medium-sized baking tray and cover it with baking/parchment paper.
Prepare the veggies to bake:
2. Cut the aubergines in equal quarters, with a knife cut crosses on the top so when its baked you can remove the meat easier. Place the garlic in a foil, fill the foil with olive oil and close it on top. Place the aubergines, garlic in foil and a tomato on the baking tray. Spread olive oil on top of aubergines, sprinkle with salt.
3. Place the bell peppers on another baking tray and place the tray over the other tray with the aubergines. Bake them for about 20 mins or until veggies are baked and bell peppers are nice blackened. Once the peppers are done, place them on a plate, cover with foil and let it cool down.
4. While peppers are cooling, work on the other veggies: remove the meat of the aubergines with a spoon and place it in a blender. Remove the garlic from its skin and add to the aubergines with the tomato.
Once bell peppers are cold, pull off their skins, remove seeds and top, and add to the blender.
5. Make a smooth blend,but just so much that it stays rustic, chunky. Transfer ajvar to a bowl, add olive oil, salt, pepper and a little dash of fresh lemon juice. Whisk it well together and leave in the fridge for a few hours to cool.
Also see: Vegan Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
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Photo: Imola Toth