Macedonian Bruschetta with Ajvar

Ingredients

In this Macedonian adaptation of Fettunta, we replace the traditional Italian toppings with ajvar, a popular Macedonian spread made from roasted red peppers. This substitution adds a unique smoky and tangy flavor profile to the dish, giving it a distinct Macedonian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Fettunta, so you can check it out.

• 4 slices of crusty bread 4 slices of crusty bread
• 2 red bell peppers 2 red bell peppers
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 23g, 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill or broiler.
2. 2.
   Place the red bell peppers on the grill or under the broiler until the skin is charred and blistered, turning occasionally.
3. 3.
   Remove the peppers from the heat and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let them steam for 10 minutes.
4. 4.
   Peel off the charred skin from the peppers and remove the seeds and stems.
5. 5.
   In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted red peppers, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
6. 6.
   Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
7. 7.
   Spread a generous amount of ajvar on each slice of toasted bread.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Red bell peppers — Make sure to char the peppers until the skin is blistered to achieve a smoky flavor in the ajvar.
• Garlic — Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano or crumbled feta cheese on top of the ajvar.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or whole grain, to add additional depth to the dish.
• Ajvar can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing for quick and easy assembly when needed.

Serving advice

Serve the Macedonian Bruschetta with Ajvar as an appetizer at your next gathering or enjoy it as a light lunch. Pair it with a fresh salad or soup for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the bruschetta slices on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and drizzle with a touch of olive oil for an elegant presentation.