Ajvar is a popular Balkan dip/condiment. It is made with eggplants and bell peppers. When I spent a month in the Balkan, I fell in love with this simple yet delicious condiment! I tried to experiment with it besides eating it as is with bread. I hit the local farmers market and bought some pasta, some local cheese, and morel mushrooms. Got to our Air BnB and made the simplest pasta possible, using Ajvar as the sauce! I suddenly remembered the pasta when I was shopping at a local store and saw a bottle of Ajwar. I decided to remake it and share it here! This is also a great way to hide vegetables in a dish that your kids will enjoy!
What you will need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta (dry weight) | 100 grams |
| Ajwar | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesian Cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Minced Garlic | 1 tablespoon |
| Parsley/Chives (optional) | for garnish |
| Dry Oregano/Italian Herbs | 1 teaspoon |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
How to make it:
- Boil water with salt. Tip: The water should be salty like the ocean water.
- While the water is boiling, prep and keep the other ingredients close by. Mince the garlic and grate the cheese. This is really the only prep that you need to do.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water.
- While the pasta is boiling, heat olive oil in a pan.
- Add the minced garlic and saute for a few seconds until soft.
- Add the ajvar, paprika, and dry oregano/Italian herbs.
Ajvar - Mix well and let it come to a boil. The pasta should be done in the meantime.
- Add the pasta to the sauce directly using tongs.
- Mix everything well.
- Add cheese and give it one more good mix.
- Serve hot with a garnish of parsley/basil/chives.
- Enjoy!