You begin by roasting your bell peppers and eggplant until the outside is charred, or slightly burnt. Next, you peel the skin off of the bell peppers and eggplants and remove the stems and seeds. After, you let the bell peppers and eggplants sit in a mesh bag overnight to drain all of the liquid from them. Then, you put the bell peppers and eggplants into a food processor or grinder until they are mixed into a smooth spread. Next, you place your mixed bell pepper and eggplant into a pot and heat on the stove for thirty minutes. Finally, add and mix vinegar, salt and oil to your eggplant and bell pepper mixture, spread it over a piece of bread and enjoy it with the people who helped you make it!
Food is deeply connected to the local environment in Macedonia. Macedonia is an agricultural country. This means that the people of Macedonia grow and harvest most of the food they sell and eat. Recipes represent the different crops that grow during each season of the year. In the fall, people harvest peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes to make fall-themed recipes like Ajvar and pickled vegetables. Soon, in the wintertime, farmers will begin harvesting cabbage, and we will make cabbage rolls and soups. Since food in Macedonia comes from their land, each ingredient feels made with love and care.
Also, for the people of Macedonia, food symbolizes storytelling, teamwork and love. On the weekends, friends and family gather together to make their favorite recipes. While cooking, they talk about their families, traditions and culture. Then, they sit down together and enjoy a large meal that was made through teamwork and care.
