Every September, the whole Balkan region of Europe smells like roasted red pepper. If you’re a traveler, this may confuse you, but if you live in that neck of the woods, you know quite well that it’s the ajvar season! Here’s what you need to know about this delicacy.
What Is Ajvar?
Ajvar (pronounced eye-var) is a delicious red pepper spread popular in Eastern Europe. It’s a traditional food in Serbia, Macedonia, Romania, and other countries. Ajvar is considered as luxurious as caviar, but those who make it at home eat many jars of it throughout the year. The ingredients are simple but the preparation process is not, as it requires roasting the peppers on an open fire, skinning and seeding them, milling them, and cooking them together with some oil and salt. The final result is worth the trouble.
How To Eat It
Ajvar has a specific taste that can change based on the ingredients used. While most recipes only require red pepper, some add a few fresh tomatoes or roasted eggplant.
Homemade is best, but you can also buy ajvar in jars around the world. Use it as a sandwich spread, as a condiment, or as a dip. It’s totally up to you! Have you tried ajvar before?
