BALKAN EGGPLANT AND CHILE PURéE
This is an eggplant-centric version of ajvar (pronounced "eye-var), the Balkan red pepper and eggplant relish. Serve it with toasted pita triangles or warm pita bread. It differs from other eggplant purées because once the eggplant is cooked and puréed with the other ingredients, the purée itself is simmered until thick.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dips and spreads, appetizer
Time 1h30m
Yield Makes about 1 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and oil lightly with olive oil. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise, then with the point of a knife score them down to the skin, but not through it. Place cut side down on the oiled baking sheet, and bake for 30 minutes, until thoroughly softened and beginning to collapse. Remove from the oven and place, cut side down, in a colander in the sink. Leave to drain and cool for 30 minutes.
- Roast the chiles over a burner flame, or under the broiler, until charred. Transfer to a bowl, cover tightly and allow to cool. Put on plastic gloves and peel and seed the chiles.
- Peel the eggplant and purée in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the chiles to the food processor, along with the tomato paste and salt to taste. Process until everything is blended together.
- Place the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a mortar and pestle and mash until you have a smooth purée.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a medium-size nonstick skillet and add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, then stir in the paprika. Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds, then stir in the eggplant purée. Bring to a simmer and cook stirring, until the purée is quite thick. Stir in the remaining olive oil, taste and adjust salt.
- Remove from the heat, cool and transfer to a jar. Place a thin film of olive oil over the top if storing.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 209, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 508 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams
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Robert Leonard
[email protected]I'm so glad I found this recipe. It's a new favorite in our household.
New Ffid
[email protected]This pure is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. They'll love the sweet and smoky flavor.
Shree dhar Aryal
[email protected]I love the smoky flavor of this pure. It's perfect for dipping bread or vegetables.
Elias El Kadi
[email protected]This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth the effort. The pure is absolutely delicious.
Seh Rish
[email protected]I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. This pure was just okay. I've had better.
Obi Gods gift
[email protected]This pure is a great way to use up leftover eggplant. It's also a healthy and delicious snack or appetizer.
Haider Ahmed
[email protected]I'm always looking for new and interesting eggplant recipes, and this one definitely fits the bill. The pure was delicious and I'll definitely be making it again.
Victor Anderson
[email protected]This is the best eggplant dish I've ever had. It's so flavorful and addictive.
Chinedu Augustus
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but I loved this pure. The chile and tomatoes really balanced out the flavor of the eggplant.
Tebogo Morolong
[email protected]This pure is so versatile. I've used it as a dip, a spread, and even a sauce. It's always delicious.
Shawn Hicks
[email protected]I made this pure for a party and it was a huge hit. Everyone raved about how delicious it was.
Aayan Gurung
[email protected]This recipe is a keeper! I've made it for my friends and family and everyone loves it. It's the perfect appetizer or side dish.
Asiya Mohamed
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and my pure turned out bitter. I'm not sure what went wrong.
Vikashjamun Paswan
[email protected]Meh.
Mohammad Alif hossain
[email protected]This pure was a bit too spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. The eggplant and tomatoes were roasted to perfection and the chile added a nice kick of heat.
Jeanie Franklin
[email protected]I wasn't sure what to expect with this recipe, but I was pleasantly surprised. The eggplant and chile pure was delicious and smoky, with a hint of sweetness. I'll definitely be making this again.
Shahban Ali
[email protected]This pure is amazing! I've made it several times and it's always a hit. The flavors are so well-balanced and the texture is perfect.
Prabin Gurung
[email protected]I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and always turns out perfectly. The eggplant and chile pure is always creamy and flavorful.
cl fam
[email protected]This Balkan eggplant and chile pure was a delicious and unique dish! The combination of roasted eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes created a rich and flavorful pure that was perfect for dipping bread or vegetables.