Red Pepper Dip - Adjika

Adjika is a Russian name and means one of the most fragrant and tasty sauces in the cuisine of many countries of the former USSR. It can be eaten with meat, vegetables, food or as such (spread on bread in the morning, if it's not too spicy, in sandwiches etc). I made it many times back at home and here in Romania, too, but this year's version seems to me the most successful and delicious.

It's simple, only it takes longer to boil - the process that gives both the taste and the flavor. I recommend making it, at least in small quantities, to be able to taste and appreciate it.

Ingredients
Tomatoes
5 kg
Red peppers
1 kg
Apples
1 kg
Carrots
1 kg
peeled
Garlic
300 g
Chilli pepper
8 pieces
as much as you want, depending on how spicy you like it
Vinegar
150 ml
Sugar
150 g
Salt
150 g
to taste
Sunflower oil
500 ml
Step by step
Step 1

Peel and wash all the vegetables.

Red Pepper Dip - Adjika - Step 1
Step 2

Chop the vegetables in the mincer or food processor.

Red Pepper Dip - Adjika - Step 2
Step 3

Place in a Dutch oven or a large pot over heat. Bring to the boil.

Red Pepper Dip - Adjika - Step 3
Step 4

When it starts to boil, turn the heat to low and simmer for two hours. Stir periodically.

Red Pepper Dip - Adjika - Step 4
Step 5

After two hours, add oil and vinegar.

Red Pepper Dip - Adjika - Step 5
Step 6

Now add the hot pepper, chopped with a knife or in a blender. Mix well and simmer for two more hours, stirring periodically.

Red Pepper Dip - Adjika - Step 6
Step 7

After two hours, add the finely chopped garlic, salt and sugar. Stir and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Red Pepper Dip - Adjika - Step 7
Step 8

Use the hand blender to puree the whole mixture into a smooth paste. Simmer for another 20 minutes.

In the meantime, prepare the jars - wash them and dry in the oven at 100-150 degrees C.

Red Pepper Dip - Adjika - Step 8
Step 9

Pour the mixture into jars, seal with lids and allow to cool. Store in a cool place - pantry, balcony or cellar.

Red Pepper Dip - Adjika - Step 9
Step 10

You can't really tell from the picture, but it is a very good mixture. Thicker and aromatic, can be easily spread on bread or used as a base for food, meat dishes, sausages, sandwiches and anything you like.

Enjoy!

Red Pepper Dip - Adjika - Step 10
Quantity: 6 l (6 liters)
Prep time:
300 min
Difficulty: intermediate
Ready in: 60 min