Macedonian Ajvar, a beloved culinary delight, has a rich history that dates back centuries. This flavorful condiment originated in the Balkan region and has become an integral part of Macedonian cuisine. Ajvar is made from roasted red peppers, but people often include eggplant and carrots, creating a unique and tantalizing taste. Throughout history, Macedonians have perfected the art of making ajvar, passing down traditional recipes from generation to generation.
Full tried recipe with ingredients HERE
Join us as we explore the journey from the fields to the jars, where the magic of Macedonian Ajvar begins.
Now that we have harvested the perfect ingredients for Macedonian Ajvar, it's time to unlock the secret flavors through the art of roasting and peeling peppers. This crucial step in the ajvar-making process enhances the natural sweetness and smokiness of the peppers, adding depth and complexity to the final product. The peppers are carefully roasted over an open flame until their skins blister and char, infusing them with a rich, smoky aroma. Once roasted, the peppers are placed in a covered container to steam, making it easier to remove their skins. With skilled hands, each pepper is delicately peeled, revealing the tender flesh underneath. This meticulous process ensures that only the purest essence of the peppers is captured in every jar of ajvar. It's a pure art of roasting and peeling peppers, where we witness the transformation of simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors in Macedonian Ajvar.
Now that we have unlocked the secret flavors of Macedonian Ajvar through the art of roasting and peeling peppers, it's time to embark on the final stage of this labor of love - cooking, blending, and preserving the authentic Macedonian Ajvar. The carefully roasted and peeled peppers are grind in a grinding machine combined with other essential ingredients like roasted eggplant, boiled carrots or tomatoes, creating a harmonious medley of flavors. The mixture is then cooked slowly over low heat with constant stirring using a large wooden spoon, allowing the ingredients to meld together and develop their full potential.
As the aroma fills the air, the ajvar transforms into a rich and velvety sauce, bursting with the essence of the Mediterranean. Once the desired consistency is achieved, we add the oil, which should be added slowly with constant stirring. We add salt, sugar and a little vinegar at the end.
Finally, the precious ajvar is carefully preserved in jars, sealing in its vibrant colors and flavors, ready to be enjoyed for months to come.
Making ajvar is a culmination of passion, tradition, and craftsmanship in the creation of the authentic Macedonian Ajvar.
