Go Back
+ servings
Lutenitsa Spread by Authentic Food Quest

Lutenitsa Recipe

This lutenitsa recipe is for a popular and traditional Bulgarian spread made with red peppers, tomatoes and eggplants. Bursting with flavors, it’s eaten alongside meat, sausages, cheeses or spread on bread. This delightful dip is a staple in most households, and while synonymous with Bulgaria, it is also popular in the Balkans. Get to know this exciting and flavorful Bulgarian lutenitsa spread. 
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: Bulgarian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Additional Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 2 16 oz jars
Calories: 536kcal
Author: Authentic Food Quest

Ingredients 

  • 16 red peppers medium sized
  • 8-9 tomatoes medium ripe
  • 1 eggplant large, roasted
  • 2 oz vegetable oil
  • ½ tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 onion large
  • 4 carrots boiled

Instructions

  • Pre-wash all vegetables.
  • Arrange the red peppers lengthwise on a baking sheet.
  • Preheat the oven to 390°F / 200°C  and roast peppers while turning them around each time large brown blisters form on each red pepper.  Roast the peppers for about 1 hour.
  • Take the red peppers out of the oven and set aside. While still warm, cover with a plastic wrap to make it easier to remove the skin. Let the red peppers rest for 24 hours.
  • Using a small sharp knife, make a small cross cut on the top of each tomato and arrange them in a baking tray. This will make it easier to peel tomatoes later.
  • Make a thin cut on each side of the eggplant and place on top of the tomatoes. Put the baking tray in the oven and bake at 390°F / 200°C for about 1 hour. Allow to cool.
  • Peel peppers and remove stems. Use your fingers to peel tomatoes and eggplant.
  • In a medium to large pot, cook the carrots and the whole onions for about 20 minutes. Drain the water.
  • Place all the red peppers in a blender and mix until smooth. Transfer into a large pot.
  • Combine the carrots, onion and eggplant together and mix well in a blender. Transfer the mixture into the large pot with the red pepper mix.
  • Blend all the tomatoes together and add tomatoes into the large pot.
  • Over medium low heat, stir the mixture using a wooden spoon. Add oil and seasonings and cook uncovered for about 2 hours. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or burning.
  • To test doneness for when the lutenitsa is ready, use a wooden spoon and scrape the bottom of the pan and move the lutenitsa from side to side. If it is a little thicker and does not flow back, then it is ready.
  • Spoon the mixture into clean and sterilized mason jars and place the lid on tight.
  • Store the lutenitsa in the fridge for 2 weeks and if the jars are well sterilized lutenitsa can keep for several months.

Notes

  • Ljutenitsa is slightly dense. You do not have to try to obtain a perfectly smooth sauce. Having it coarsely grinded with small pieces of vegetables in it is fine.
  • If you like chili peppers, you can add them to this lutenitsa recipe.
  • While optional, you can add fresh parsley to your tasty spread.
    • Nutrition

      Serving: 1 | Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 7656mg | Potassium: 2594mg | Fiber: 21g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 26073IU | Vitamin C: 221mg | Calcium: 246mg | Iron: 5mg
      Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or tag us on @authenticfoodquest