Ajapsandali is Georgia’s response to the famous ratatoille, and I am really not sure who’d win in that contest! This vibrant skillet is incredibly flavoursome because of fresh herbs and the iconic Georgian seasoning khmeli-suneli. The trick to perfectly done vegetables is to cook them separately and then simmer together with juicy tomatoes, aromatics and herbs.
The Flavour Affair:
Eggplant + Bell Peppers + Onions + Tomatoes + Garlic + Khmeli-Suneli + Fresh Herbs
Both eggplant and bell peppers develop smoky notes during cooking, which makes them a great pairing. Their textures soften and become tender and almost creamy, giving the stew a hearty, comforting quality. Fried onions lend sweet notes and that appetizing smell, whereas juicy tomatoes release enough liquid for gentle braising. Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic punch.
But the key component is, of course, the quintessentially Georgian mix khmeli-suneli. As much as I enjoy making my own blends, this is one of the few times when I turn to store bought versions. Khmeli-suneli owes its unique flavour to a number of ingredients which are both quite hard to find or replace. Namely, those are: blue fenugreek, hyssop and marigold. The three plants provide a very distinctive taste and aroma that make khmeli-suneli easily recognizable to those who’ve used it once.
Other commonly used ingredients include bay leaf, ground coriander, chili powder, black pepper, dill and celery seeds and additional dried herbs such as parsley, basil and marjoram.
With such an extensive and somewhat exotic list, sourcing the ingredients can become a bit of a headache. I am lucky to have regular supplies from Moscow and there are also a few Russian shops that sell khmeli-suneli in Dubai. If your local supermarket has an international section, you can have a look there, otherwise Amazon has some options.
Another important feature of ajapsandali is the abundance of fresh herbs. Mixed parsley, basil, dill and coriander create an invigorating, fresh and vibrant bouquet that offsets the richness of the stew.
Some versions include hot peppers or fried chilis for a spicy kick.
Preparation tips for Ajapsandali:
- Cook the vegetables separately. Eggplant and bell peppers have different cooking times, and it’s not long before on of them loses shape and/or turns mushy.
- Take a little time with the tomato sauce. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to thicken and develop a more robust taste.
- Leave adjapsandali to rest for at least 20 minutes before serving. The stew will settle and the vegetables will take in the flavours and aromas of herbs and khmeli-suneli.
I absolutely love the vibrant colors and summery feel!
Serving suggestions:
Ajapsandali is best enjoyed at a room temperature and is a popular side dish to grilled meats, poultry or fish. It is also amazing on its own – just make sure you have loads of fresh bread to mop up all the delicious juices.
Looking for similar recipes? Make sure to try my Eggplant Shakshuka with Feta and Za’atar!
***
Ajapsandali (Georgian Eggplant and Bell Pepper Stew)
Equipment
- 1 large non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants cut in 8-10mm circles
- 2 bell peppers cut in wedges
- 4-6 ripe tomatoes skinned and chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 onion sliced
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp khmeli-suneli seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 red chili optional
- 1 cup chopped fresh herbs like parsley basil, dill and coriander
Instructions
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and leave for 20-30 minutes to let out access moisture and bitterness, then rinse.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet.
- Arrange the eggplant in a single layer and fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining slices.
- On the same pan, separately fry the onions and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes each, until the onions turn golden and the bell peppers start to soften. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the tomatoes and minced garlic to the pan along with half of the fresh herbs, spices, salt and red chili (if using). Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Return the cooked vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the remaining fresh herbs and let sit for at least 20 minutes at room temperature before serving.
- Serve as a side dish to meat, fish or poultry or on its own with lots of fresh bread.
Notes
- Ajapsandali can keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
31 Responses
Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, thanks. “While thou livest keep a good tongue in thy head.” by William Shakespeare.
Absolutely composed subject matter, regards for entropy. “The last time I saw him he was walking down Lover’s Lane holding his own hand.” by Fred Allen.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you. https://www.binance.com/register?ref=IHJUI7TF
Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your site in web explorer, may test this?K IE nonetheless is the market chief and a big component to other folks will pass over your great writing due to this problem.
I really like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and reporting! Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.
I really prize your work, Great post.
동두천 출장마사지 서비스를 담당하는 모든 관리사는 체계적인 교육과 실무 경험을 갖춘 전문 테라피스트로 구성되어 있습니다.동두천출장샵
고객 한 분 한 분의 컨디션과 니즈를 정확하게 파악하여 맞춤형 케어를 제공하며, 피로 회복, 근육 이완, 스트레스 완화에 최적화된 프로그램을 진행합니다.
동두천출장만남, 동두천 홈케어 서비스를 찾는 고객분들께 보다 높은 만족도를 제공하기 위해 철저한 관리사 선발 기준과 지속적인 서비스 교육을 운영하고 있습니다.
또한 위생 관리와 서비스 매너를 최우선으로 하여 처음 이용하시는 고객도 안심하고 이용할 수 있도록 준비되어 있습니다.
Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers
Perfect work you have done, this internet site is really cool with great information.
Hey there, You have done an incredible job. I will certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this website.
Hi there, You’ve performed an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and for my part recommend to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.
Hey there, You have done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and in my view suggest to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this website.
Hello there, You have done an incredible job. I will certainly digg it and in my view recommend to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.
Hey there, You’ve performed an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this site.
Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your site in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your magnificent writing because of this problem.
I’m curious to find out what blog system you’re working with? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest site and I’d like to find something more secure. Do you have any suggestions?
I just couldn’t leave your site prior to suggesting that I actually loved the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back ceaselessly in order to check up on new posts
Some genuinely interesting info , well written and broadly speaking user pleasant.
of course like your website however you need to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to tell the reality on the other hand I will definitely come back again.
of course like your web-site however you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the reality then again I will surely come back again.
fantastic internet site, I could definitely go to your web page once more…acquired some really nice info.
That is the proper blog for anybody who desires to find out about this topic. You notice so much its nearly arduous to argue with you (not that I truly would need…HaHa). You undoubtedly put a new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, simply great!
Well I truly liked reading it. This tip procured by you is very effective for accurate planning.
I think this web site has got some real superb info for everyone :D.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite sure I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have done a great job on this topic!
excellent points altogether, you just received a new reader. What may you recommend in regards to your post that you made a few days ago? Any positive?
Hello, you used to write excellent, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
Pretty portion of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to claim that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your weblog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing in your augment or even I fulfillment you access consistently quickly.
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again
I tried making this last weekend and was surprised by how well the sweetness of the peppers balanced the earthy eggplant. The spices really do make it a flavor affair—next time I might add a bit more coriander. Do you think it would work with a splash of red wine vinegar at the end?