Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs of red bell peppers
- 2 lbs of tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 tbsp of salt
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper
- 1/2 lb of feta cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Glass jars with lids
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash and chop the bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped vegetables and stir well.
4. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and tender.
5. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
6. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
7. Return the mixture to the pot and add the white vinegar, sugar, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
8. Cook over low heat for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces.
9. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
10. Transfer the ljutenica to glass jars and store in the refrigerator.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
5. Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking the vegetables
- Low heat for cooking the ljutenica
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Red bell peppers can be substituted with hot peppers for a spicier version.
- White vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Add roasted eggplant for a smoky flavor.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.
- Add a pinch of cumin or coriander for a Middle Eastern twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for a sweeter ljutenica.
- Stir the mixture frequently while cooking to prevent burning.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Storage instructions:
- Store the ljutenica in glass jars with lids in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
- Ljutenica can be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, heat it up in a saucepan over low heat.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the ljutenica in a small bowl or on a plate.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Crumbled feta cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
- Pair with grilled meats or vegetables.
- Serve as a dip with raw vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the ljutenica is too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it out.
- If the ljutenica is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean and sterilized glass jars for storing the ljutenica.
- Keep the ljutenica refrigerated at all times.
Food history:
- Ljutenica is a traditional Bulgarian spread made from roasted red peppers and tomatoes. It is usually served as a condiment or dip.
Flavor profiles:
- Ljutenica is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve ljutenica as a dip or spread with bread or crackers.
- Use it as a condiment for grilled meats or vegetables.
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Region: Macedonian