Authentic Macedonian Pindjur: A Flavorful, Roasted Vegetable Spread

Ingredients

10 ripe tomatoes
5 red bell peppers
2 eggplants
5 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 bunch of parsley

Steps and instructions

First, wash the tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants thoroughly.
Next, place the tomatoes, red bell peppers, and eggplants on a baking tray and broil them in the oven until their skins are charred. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
Once the vegetables are charred, remove them from the oven and let them cool. After they've cooled, peel off their skins and discard them.
Chop the peeled vegetables into small pieces and place them in a large bowl.
Peel and finely chop the garlic and add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Also, chop the parsley and add it to the bowl.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the vegetable and garlic mixture to the pan.
Stir the mixture occasionally and cook it for about 1-2 hours, or until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
Add salt to taste and the tablespoon of vinegar. Stir well to combine.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the pindjur cool. Once it's cooled, it's ready to serve.

Tools for making

Baking tray - Used for broiling the vegetables in the oven.
Large bowl - To hold and mix the chopped vegetables and other ingredients.
Knife - For chopping the vegetables, garlic, and parsley.
Cutting board - Provides a stable surface for chopping the ingredients.
Large saucepan - Used to cook the vegetable mixture.
Stirring spoon - To stir the pindjur while it cooks.

Recipe variations

Add a spicy kick by including a finely chopped chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
For a smoky flavor, roast the vegetables on a grill instead of broiling them in the oven.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, or paprika to customize the flavor.
Include roasted onions or shallots for added depth of flavor.
Add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
For a thicker consistency, puree half of the cooked mixture in a blender or food processor before combining it with the remaining chunky mixture.
Include other roasted vegetables such as zucchini or carrots for additional variety.
If you prefer a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
For a Mediterranean twist, include olives or capers in the pindjur.
Make it a meaty pindjur by adding cooked and crumbled bacon or diced smoked sausage.

Recipe overview

Pindjur is a delicious and versatile spread hailing from the Balkans. This flavorful recipe is filled with the goodness of tomatoes, eggplants, and red bell peppers, which are broiled to perfection, and combined with finely chopped garlic and a hint of vinegar. The result is a savory and slightly tangy spread that's perfect for bread, crackers, or as a complement to your main dishes. Making pindjur is a labor of love, as it involves slow cooking the vegetable mixture to develop a rich, deep flavor. However, the effort is well worth it, as this recipe yields a large batch that you can enjoy for several days. The recipe is also flexible, and you can easily adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on your personal preference. Whether you're a fan of Balkan cuisine or looking to try something new, this pindjur recipe is a must-try!

Common questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute. However, the flavor of the pindjur may vary slightly compared to using fresh tomatoes.
Is it necessary to char the vegetables in the oven? Charring the vegetables helps to enhance their flavor and gives the pindjur a smoky taste. It is recommended to char them, but if you prefer, you can skip this step.
Can I use a different type of vinegar? Yes, you can use a different type of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if you don't have regular vinegar. The taste may vary slightly, but it will still work well.
How long can I store the pindjur? Pindjur can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure to properly seal the container to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze the pindjur? Yes, you can freeze pindjur for longer storage. Place it in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board is essential for chopping the vegetables.
Knife - A sharp knife will make it easier to peel and chop the vegetables.
Baking tray - A baking tray is needed to broil the tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Large bowl - A large bowl is useful for holding and mixing the chopped vegetables.
Large saucepan - A large saucepan is used to cook the vegetables and simmer the pindjur.
Stirring spoon - A stirring spoon or spatula is needed to stir the pindjur as it cooks.
Jar or containers - You'll need a jar or containers to store and serve the pindjur.

Origin stories

Pindjur, a robust and flavorful spread, hails from the Balkan Peninsula, an area known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. Often thought of as a summer dish, Pindjur captures the bountiful freshness of the season's produce. The cooking process, a delicate dance of roasting and simmering, was traditionally done in large quantities during the heat of the summer, as families gathered to prepare and preserve the spread for the winter months ahead. This practice of canning not only offered a practical way to preserve food, it also brought families and neighbours together, making the creation of Pindjur a social, communal affair. Every jar opened in the midst of winter was not just a taste of summer, but a reminder of shared labor, laughter, and love.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.