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    Balkan Lunch Box > Recipes > Recipes By Meal Type > Appetizers & Preserves

    Balkan Appetizer and Preserves Recipes

    Start your meal with a perfect Balkan appetizer or a preserve. (You can even make a whole meal out of it if you'd like!)

    Wondering what to try first?

    If you got some time, try Ajvar aka Balkan Caviar? We hear charcuterie boards known locally as Meza are all the rage today, then sweeten up your day with our 3-ingredient Orange Jam.

    Latest In Appetizers & Preserves

    A bowl of tarator taratur soup (salad) on a green background.

    Tarator (Taratur) - Macedonian Cucumber, Yogurt and Garlic Salad

    A slice of bread with jam, hand that's holding a spoon full of jam, and a jar in the background on gray background.

    Raspberry Jam [Three Ingredients, Stovetop, 40-min]

    Jar with fig jam, and figs spread on the pink table.

    Easy Fig Jam [No Pectin, Stovetop, Few Ingredients]

    Veal pâté is a smooth, spread that works well as an appetizer or a side. Rich meat flavor is sweetened by being simmered in onions, and additionally softened by blending with mayonnaise and sour cream. It's not a surprise this decadent spread is everyone's favorite breakfast. 

    Balkan Veal Pâté (Teleća Pašteta)

    A piece of integral bread with marmalade and a jar of marmalade with a wooden spoon on top, on a gray background.

    Orange Jam (Orange Marmalade) [No Pectin, Stovetop, 1-hour, 3-ingredients]

    Overhead photo of a meat and cheese wooden tray platter on a gray background.

    Balkan Meza: Tapas-Style Appetizer Platter [Meat and Cheese Tray, Charcuterie Board]

    Sideways photo of pindjur in a bowl with a spoon and vegetables in the background.

    Pindjur (Pinđur) Spread - Easy Homemade Balkan Relish with Red Peppers and Tomatoes

    ajvar, chutney, pepper chutney, eggplant chutney, balkan spread, balkan dip ajvar, red pepper and eggplant dip, pepper dip | balkanlunchbox.com

    Ajvar

    Wooden bowl with cornmeal in it and a wooden spoon on a red kitchen towel all on a gray marble surface.

    Cornmeal Porridge with Garlic Butter Sauce (Pura s Lučnicom, Kačamak)

    White bowl with a spoon and mushroom soup on an orange background.

    Montenegro Shepherd's Cream of Mushroom with Porcini (Čobanska Krem Supa od Vrganja)

    More In Recipes By Meal Type

    • Beverage category photo.

      Beverages

    • Breads and pastries category photograph.

      Breads & Pastries

    • Desserts category photograph.

      Desserts

    • Main courses category photograph.

      Main Courses

    • Pasta category photograph.

      Pasta

    • Pies and quiches category photograph.

      Pies & Quiches

    • Salads and fermented category photograph.

      Salads & Fermented Veggies

    • Side dishes category photograph.

      Side Dishes

    • Soups and stews category photograph.

      Soups & Stews

    • Vegetarian category photograph.

      Vegetarian

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    Aida and Aleksandra of Balkan Lunch Box, standing together.

    Welcome! I'm Aida, creator of Balkan Lunch Box, food blog about traditional and contemporary Balkan cuisine. My sister Aleksandra helps me.

    Learn more about me →

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