Aivar

Aivar, mild spread of roasted pepper and aubergine from the Balkans

Aivar is a classic Balkan bread spread made from gently roasted red pepper and aubergine. We stock the mild Aivar from the Pelagonia brand, made by Sydney & Frances in Cologne. Sunflower oil and a fine salt note round off the pleasantly smoky, lightly sweet mash. It is completely free of heat, so the whole family enjoys it.

How to use

Aivar is versatile. As a spread on flatbread, baguette or toast, as a dip for cheese, vegetables, cevapcici and grilled meat, in wraps and sandwiches, or as a savoury base for pasta sauces, stews and braises. Use it plain or refine it with a little olive oil and fresh garlic.

Good to know: After opening, keep it in the fridge and use it within a few days. Let the jar come to room temperature before serving so the aroma comes through best.

Aivar crostini with feta in 4 steps

1. Slice a baguette and toast the slices golden in the oven or a pan.
2. Spread the warm slices generously with Aivar.
3. Crumble feta over the top and add a few drops of olive oil.
4. Scatter with fresh basil or parsley and serve straight away.

What makes this Aivar special?

Good Aivar lives from its high share of roasted pepper. In this mash, 70 per cent comes from red pepper and 20 per cent from aubergine, the rest being sunflower oil and a pinch of salt. The gentle roasting gives the Aivar its typically smoky, lightly sweet aroma, without artificial additives. It is the mild, heat-free version that also works well as a base for further seasoning.

At a glance

• Mild pepper and aubergine mash from the Balkans, without heat
• With 70 per cent roasted pepper and 20 per cent aubergine
• Vegetarian, Pelagonia brand, made by Sydney & Frances, Cologne
• As a spread, grill dip and seasoning base for pasta and stews
• Without artificial additives

Goes well with

If you like it spicier, reach for the hot Aivar. Also from Balkan cuisine are Ljutenica and the savoury Pindjur. All three go beautifully with grilled meat and flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

What is Aivar?
A bread spread and dip from Balkan cuisine made from roasted red pepper and aubergine. This Aivar is mild, so without heat, and tastes pleasantly smoky and lightly sweet.

Is Aivar vegetarian or vegan?
This Aivar contains only pepper, aubergine, sunflower oil and salt. It is therefore vegetarian and also suitable for a vegan diet.

What is the difference between mild and hot Aivar?
The mild Aivar is completely without heat. If you like it fiery, the hot Aivar is the spicy version with chilli.

How do I store Aivar after opening?
In the fridge and well sealed. That keeps it fresh for a few days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.