Pinjur

Pinjur Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Macedonia

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Pinjur is a traditional Macedonian dish that is made from roasted eggplant, garlic, walnuts, and olive oil. This flavorful spread is perfect for serving as an appetizer or side dish.

History

Pinjur has been a staple in Macedonian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Balkans and has since spread to other parts of Eastern Europe. The combination of roasted eggplant and garlic gives this dish a rich and smoky flavor that is truly unique.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant
2-6 cloves of garlic (depending on preference)
salt (to lightly cover the garlic)
a handful of roughly chopped walnuts
olive oil
fresh lemon
fresh cilantro

How to prepare

Wash the eggplant and poke holes into it randomly with a fork to prevent it from bursting.
Roast the eggplant in the oven until it is thoroughly cooked and collapses.
While the eggplant is roasting, mash the garlic and salt with a mortar and pestle until it becomes a paste.
To cool the eggplant quickly, slice it in half and let it drain in a colander placed in the sink.
Once cooled, peel the skin off the eggplant.
Chop the eggplant into medium-sized chunks.
In a bowl, combine the eggplant and garlic, mashing the eggplant and stirring the garlic throughout.
Once the mixture is nice and consistently mushy, add a handful of chopped walnuts for added crunch and texture.

Variations

For a different twist on pinjur, try adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the smokiness of the eggplant.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When roasting the eggplant, make sure to poke holes in it with a fork to prevent it from bursting. This will ensure that the eggplant cooks evenly and thoroughly. Additionally, be sure to let the eggplant cool before peeling off the skin to avoid burning yourself.

Serving Suggestions

Pinjur is best served as a spread on crusty bread or crackers. It can also be served alongside grilled meats or vegetables for a delicious and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the eggplant is the key technique in making pinjur. This method gives the eggplant a rich and smoky flavor that is essential to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have walnuts on hand, you can substitute them with almonds or pine nuts. You can also use parsley or mint in place of cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Pinjur can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pinjur in a small bowl drizzled with olive oil and garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Pinjur pairs well with grilled meats, such as lamb or chicken. It also goes well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pinjur in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave the dish for a few seconds or serve it at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pinjur contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a snack or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Pinjur is a low-carb dish, making it a great option for those following a carb-conscious diet. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The walnuts and olive oil in pinjur provide healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

While pinjur is not a significant source of protein, the walnuts in this dish do provide a small amount. Each serving contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pinjur is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium. The garlic and lemon in this dish provide a boost of vitamin C, while the eggplant is rich in potassium.

Alergens

Pinjur contains walnuts, which are a common allergen. If you or your guests have a nut allergy, be sure to omit the walnuts from this recipe.

Summary

Overall, pinjur is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is perfect for serving as a healthy snack or appetizer. It is low in carbs and calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Summary

Pinjur is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or side dish. With its rich and smoky flavor, this traditional Macedonian spread is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Macedonia. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of grilled vegetables filled the air and my mouth started watering.

Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she handed me a plate of a vibrant and colorful dish I had never seen before. "This is pinjur," she said, "a traditional Macedonian spread made with roasted red peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes. It's delicious and I know you'll love it."

I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the roasted peppers, the smokiness of the eggplant, and the tanginess of the tomatoes all blended together perfectly. I couldn't get enough of it.

I asked Maria for the recipe, and she chuckled. "Oh, my dear, there's no recipe for pinjur. It's a dish that's been passed down from generation to generation in our family. But I can show you how to make it."

And so, Maria and I spent the afternoon in her kitchen, roasting vegetables over an open flame, peeling skins, and chopping them into a fine paste. She taught me the perfect ratio of each ingredient, the secret spices to add, and the right amount of olive oil to drizzle on top.

As we cooked together, Maria shared stories of her grandmother, who used to make pinjur for the whole village during harvest season. She told me how the recipe had been tweaked and perfected over the years, with each generation adding their own twist to it.

By the time we were done, the sun was setting and the aroma of pinjur filled the air. Maria and I sat down at her table, spread the pinjur on freshly baked bread, and enjoyed it with a glass of homemade wine. It was a moment I knew I would never forget.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to share the recipe with my own family. I made pinjur for them, and they were just as blown away by the flavors as I was. From that day on, pinjur became a staple in our household, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the simple pleasures of life.

Over the years, I have made pinjur countless times, always with a smile on my face and a heart full of memories. Every time I take a bite, I am transported back to Maria's kitchen, to that warm summer day when I first discovered this delicious dish.

And now, as I pass the recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you too will find joy in making pinjur and sharing it with your loved ones. May it bring you as much happiness and warmth as it has brought me over the years. Enjoy!