I am a die hard make-it-from-scratch cook for dinner parties. I'll take the extra step to make even the most basic foods myself -- hand-rolled tortillas, homemade caramel, pie crusts, and everything in between. Although these details make a difference to me, I've learned that cutting a few corners never breaks a party. Tip number one: Trader Joe's red pepper spread.
I discovered this spread while browsing the aisles at Trader Joe's and was drawn to its neon bright shade of orange-red. It looked similar to the romesco sauce I had made to accompany lamb burgers at a recent dinner party. The sauce I thought would take five minutes to create, and which actually took me much longer due to my insistence on roasting my own peppers.
I walked a few laps around the store before deciding to spend the $1.99 to taste it. Opening the jar I had reservations; would using this spread diminish the effort I put into my meal? Not at all.
The spread is so complete it feels a little like cheating, but more like getting a free hour on your parking meter than speeding through a stop sign. More spicy than the romesco sauce I had used on my lamb burgers, it could easily sit in for the real thing in a pinch. The chunks of roasted red pepper are only the beginning; the eggplant and garlic round out the spread and the spicy kick adds another level of flavor. It's great as an appetizer with goat cheese or as a base for a mozzarella and basil pannini.
What's your favorite culinary shortcut? Have you tried Trader Joe's red pepper spread?
Related: Trader Joe's Pantry Staples: What Are Your Favorites?
(Image: Stephanie Barlow
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I put it on chicken then bake in the oven. It is so simple and easy. You can easily make a great meal for your self or for a party. It takes almost no work!
I too agree with the author that I like to make it all from scratch. I haven't yet but I do want to make this from scratch too. I will also probably roast my own peppers. At least the first time.
I love this stuff with goat cheese on pita bread. Also, it adds great flavor to tomato-based soups. Definitely a pantry staple for me.
Oh, I may just have to try this.
Most of my culinary shortcuts are in the baking/desert category. I struggle with pie crusts so if I can get a frozen, all-butter crust,(yet another TJs item) I'm all over it.
I love red pepper spreads but can usually only find them in specialty stores (with "specialty" prices), not the local grocery. I will have to try this next time I'm near a TJs.
My local Associated carries Ajvar (mild and spicy) which sounds like exactly what this is (the stuff I get is labeled Bulgarian-style). Cheap and excellent.
my iranian aunt discovered this to put on top of cottage cheese to help get the healthy stuff go down easily! it's great on bread and any grilled meats or veg. TJs sells it for 1.99 but sometimes middle eastern or russian markets sell it for the same price as Ajvar (Middle East brand i think). and it's so yummy and spicy - i'm going to have to try it on baked chicken!
One of the best things I've learned from watching Ina Garten is that you've missed the point of a party if you're all stressed out and exhausted from having made dozens of complicated homemade items. Your guests won't have a better time. Focus on a couple dishes, and then fill in with store bought prepared items (spreads, charcuterie, etc.). This red pepper spread seems like a perfect hors d'oeuvre component.
I add this when I make hummus and want "roasted red pepper hummus." It's great on its own too.
Thank you! I'm buying this today for a party we're hosting tomorrow that I am super under prepared for! I think I'll serve it with tiny toasts. Tips like this are great! Thanks!
awesome idea. I'm a TJs addict and haven't seen this one yet. I love the idea of adding it to hummus to make "roasted" red pepper hummus. I bet it'd be good on homemade baked tofu
This stuff is exactly the same as Ajvar, only it's cheaper than the jars of Ajvar I usually see in specialty stores. I make sandwiches with this spread on one side and hummus spread on the other. They mix together around the filling and it's sooo good!
You can get Ajvar at Cost Plus, but Middle Eastern stores (and health-food places like co-ops) will have it for much cheaper. You can get a really big jar for around $10, which lasts me a few months. I use it as a veggie dip, and it's great with soft cheese on crackers. Plus, it comes in mild and hot (the hot just has a tiny bit more heat to it). I'm out right now, so I'm totally going to have to get some soon.
I love this spread. It has a bit of sweetness to it, but also a nice hint of spicy. I just dip Trader Joe's pita crackers into it for a great snack. It would also be good as a spread on sandwiches.
As others have noted, this is Ajvar. In fact, the jars used to say Ajvar on them. A while back they took off the name, but the rest of the packaging on the jar, and the recipe stayed the same. It is fantastic with grilled meats and pita served with tsaziki or other cucumber/yogurt sauce. Yum!
I love this stuff! I've used it (as well as jarred Ajvar) primarily for a party dip/spread and it pairs well with a full bodied red wine. My very favorite pairing is to spread this on top of Boursin cheese that has been spread on bread or a cracker. YUM!
It's even better when the peppers are fire-roasted. Most Serbian versions will specify the "roasted" or "fire-roasted" peppers and the spread will have visible black flecks throughout making the spread less sweet and more smoky and authentic tasting. Traditionally it is served alongside grilled meats, on bread, part of a meze spread, and most recently as an ingredient to soups, casseroles, and rice.
Palachinka recently posted her family's traditional recipe at http://palachinka.blogspot.com/2010/09/ajvar.html but I much rather get mine at my local deli.
I love this stuff! We don't have a TJ's in my area, but I buy it whenever I visit my sister. I even have people buy it for me when they're going somplace with a TJ's. I use it as a sandwich spread, a dip, and in place of tomato sauce when making a Mediterranean style pizza. I find a couple of spoonfuls of this works just dandy in any sauce calling for pureed roasted red peppers. Thanks for all the other great ideas!
I adore this spread. It is delicious with pita chips or crostinis. I've also used it as a spread on paninis with fresh mozzarella and spinach!