Various rolls have always been associated with religious, mythological and gastronomic preservation. That is probably why so many rolls, both sweet and savory, have always been a traditional part of food in Croatia and this part of Europe.
When we say “roll” or “roulade“, I guess the first association is sweet cinnamon rolls and such, as well as sponge roulade filled with chocolate or whipped cream and fruit. However, there are interesting savory rolls, both delicious and decorative, that can be the best appetizer. Such is this roll. And what about this pepper relish? 
Pepper relish in Croatia is called ajvar. It’s originally made of roasted (today sometimes cooked) red peppers. The so-called rog peppers are most often used – they’re horn-shaped with thick flesh. Usually some eggplants are added, as well as garlic, sometimes chili. Ajvar became popular throughout former Yugoslavia after World War II. Depending on added chili, it can be sweet, piquant or very hot. It is usually consumed as bread spread, salad or a side dish.
Ajvar is traditionally made in mid-autumn and preserved in jars. The preparation is not that simple, as it takes long time and manual labor (stirring, peeling of the roasted peppers and eggplants). Once the roasted vegetables are peeled, they’re usually ground in a mill and then stewed for several hours in huge pots. Salt is also added, as well as sunflower oil in order to enhance further preservation (and sometimes a bit of vinegar). Hot ajvar is poured into hot sterilized glass jars and sealed.
I wanted to explain the notion of ajvar because it is used in this roll. Only 3 tbsp of it give it a nice orange color. You can play with natural colors and add cooked chopped spinach for green color, or poppy seed for dotted effect. These are all vivacious and natural, spring colors.
If you don’t have ajvar available, use any other similar pepper relish / spread.
PrintAjvar – Red Pepper Relish – Roll
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This savory Balkan roll combines a fluffy sponge with a creamy cheese filling, enhanced by the vibrant flavor of ajvar, a traditional red pepper relish.
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp milk
- 0.45 oz (13 g) baking powder
- 3 tbsp ajvar (or other pepper spread)
- 1 tsp salt
- 8.8 oz (250 g) cottage cheese
- 6.3 oz (180 g) cream cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, combine the egg yolks with milk and ajvar. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the whites.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gently fold into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and springs back when touched.
- While the sponge is baking, prepare the filling by mixing the cottage cheese and cream cheese together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Once the sponge is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Carefully remove the parchment paper.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the sponge. Roll the sponge tightly into a log, starting from one of the shorter sides.
- Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Before serving, slice the roll into rounds and garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Ajvar can be substituted with any similar pepper relish or spread. For a colorful variation, consider adding cooked chopped spinach for a green hue or poppy seeds for a dotted effect. This roll can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Slice just before serving for best presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Balkan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 120
I would like to try this recipe. but few questions before starting though. How will you make a roulade with only 6 tbps. of flour? Just wondering?