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Local food map
Skopje (North Macedonia)
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Snack
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
120kcal
2gProtein
14gCarbs
7gFat
6gFibre
100 gServing
* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.
Ajvar
How to order / say it
Say it
Ајвар — [Eye-var]
Order
I'd like a serving of Ajvar.
Locally
Сакам порција Ајвар.
Say locally
A smoked red pepper and eggplant spread.
Why try it?
Ajvar is a beloved staple in Skopje, embodying the seasonality and rich flavor profiles loved in North Macedonian cuisine.
How it tastes
Smoky, slightly sweet, and savory; the texture is smooth with occasional small chunks, and it has a rich red color.
Origin & History — first documented: 1930
Developed in the early 20th century in homes across Skopje, Ajvar emerged as a preserve of autumn's harvest, becoming central to local cuisine.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 1 kg red peppers
- 🥕 500 g eggplants
- 🫒 100 ml olive oil
- 🧂 to taste salt
Method
- 1 Roast peppers and eggplants until charred.
- 2 Peel and grind into a fine paste.
- 3 Cook the mixture with olive oil, and season with salt.
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