17+ Red Pepper Recipes - Balkan Lunch Box

Red peppers are the heart of Balkan cooking—sweet, smoky, and endlessly versatile. From spreads and salads to stews and sides, these recipes show just how much depth and warmth red peppers bring to any table. Shall we?

Ajvar in a jar and two red bell peppers (roga peppers) on marble gray background, pictured overhead.

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Why You’ll Love These Recipes

🔥 Naturally sweet and smoky. Red peppers add rich flavor without extra effort.
🥘 Perfect in any form. Roast them, blend them, or cook them into hearty meals.
🧄 Packed with vitamins and color. A healthy ingredient that brightens every dish.
🫶 Rooted in tradition. These recipes connect you to centuries of Balkan home cooking.
🍽️ Versatile and easy. Ideal for weekday meals or festive spreads alike.

- Roasted Red Pepper Creamy Cheese Sauce

Roasted red pepper white sauce blends charred peppers, garlic, cheese, and cream for a velvety, flavorful condiment. It’s perfect drizzled over chicken, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

A silky sauce that elevates everything it touches.

Pepper sauce in a white bowl on a table and a pepper in the background.

- Roasted Red Pepper Garlic Salad

Roasted red pepper garlic salad is a simple yet bold dish made with smoky peppers, fresh garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s vibrant, aromatic, and perfect as a side or starter.

A garlicky favorite that disappears fast.

A fork holding red pepper salad above a plate on a marble table.

- Pindjur

Pindjur is a hearty roasted pepper and tomato spread with parsley. Rich and smoky, it’s delicious on crusty bread or served with grilled meats.

A spoonful of smoky, savory comfort.

PIndjur in a bowl on a table with vegetables in the background.

- Ajvar

Ajvar is the Balkan favorite—made from roasted red peppers, eggplant, and a touch of vinegar. It’s smooth, mildly sweet, and wonderful as a spread or condiment.

The ultimate red pepper classic.

Ajvar in a jar on a gray background with eggplant and red peppers.

- Shopska Salad

Shopska salad combines crisp peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a crumble of white cheese. It’s light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with sweet and salty flavors.

A fresh bite of Balkan sunshine.

Bowl of salad, tomatoes on vine, fork, napkin, bell pepper and grated cheese on white background.

- Classic Satarash

Classic satarash is a comforting dish of slow-cooked peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Soft, rich, and aromatic, it’s perfect as a side or light meal on its own.

A simple stew with timeless flavor.

A white plate full of satarash dish on a white honeycomb table.

- Egg Satarash

Egg satarash adds softly cooked eggs to a base of sautéed peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The eggs melt into the mixture, making it hearty and satisfying.

A rustic dish that starts your day right.

A plate with eggs and peppers (satarash) with two halves of integral bread with a fork and two eggs on a dark marble background.

- Djuveč

Djuveč (Balkan ratatouille) is a colorful vegetable dish where peppers shine alongside tomatoes, onions, and carrots. Slowly baked or simmered, it’s flavorful and comforting.

A one-pot meal with vibrant charm.

- Veggie Risotto

Veggie risotto with red peppers brings creamy rice together with sweet, roasted pepper flavor. It’s rich yet light, with every bite full of warmth.

A colorful twist on a cozy classic.

A bowl with risotto and a fork in it and vegetables in the background on a white honeycomb background.

- Pepper and Eggplant Veal Sauce

Our favorite veal sauce is a smooth red pepper sauce with garlic, carrots and veal. Its balance of sweet and tangy is irresistible.

A bold sauce that wakes up your plate.

Round white casserole sitting on a kitchen towel, containing eggplant, red peppers, garlic and beef scooped on a silver spoon on a light background.

- Paprikash

Chicken paprikash is a traditional stew where red peppers melt into tender meat and onions, creating a rich, paprika-infused sauce. Comforting and hearty, it’s best enjoyed with bread.

A spoonful of pure comfort and tradition.

- Jaeger Schnitzel

Jaeger schnitzel with red pepper sauce combines crispy schnitzel with a velvety, flavorful gravy topping. It’s the ultimate comfort meal.

A golden favorite with a peppery punch.

A spoon holding a schnitzel in a stainless steel pan.

- Rich Couscous Sauce

Couscous with roasted red peppers is light, fluffy, and full of subtle sweetness. It makes a perfect main course for busy days.

A simple dish that feels special.

Bowl of couscous on a plaid kitchen towel.

Recipe Collections You'll Love

Take a look at a few more of our very favorite recipe collections including heartwarming soups, stews and beef dinners!

- Stuffed Baked Peppers

Stuffed baked peppers are filled with savory rice, herbs, and meat, then baked until tender and juicy. The roasted red peppers turn sweet and soft as they cook.

A comforting classic you’ll make again and again.

- Bosnian Pot

Bosnian Pot (bosanski lonac) layers meat, peppers, and vegetables into a rich, slow-cooked stew. The peppers infuse everything with sweetness and aroma as it simmers for hours.

A hearty, shareable dish from the heart of the Balkans.

Black ceramic pot with a spoon inside on a gray background.

- Meza

Meza with red peppers is a colorful platter of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted peppers. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

A spread that turns any gathering into a celebration.

Rectangular wooden tray filled with different meats, cheeses, vegetables and nuts on a gray background.

- Dolma

Dolma is made by stuffing peppers with a savory rice and meat filling, then simmering them until tender. Juicy, flavorful, and comforting—this dish never disappoints.

A timeless family favorite.

Metal dish with a lid on gray background filled with filled veggies, red kitchen underneath, and a pan and spoon.

Thoughts?

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Prijatno, Dobar Tek, and Bon Appetit!