Bulgarian Vegetable Spread (Lyutenitza)

Lyutenitza (ljutenica, lyutenitsa, lutenica) is a national relish of Bulgaria. The ingredients vary by region but in general include tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, black pepper, vegetable oil, sugar and salt. Lyutenitza is a little milder (less hot) than the other popular relish Ajvar.

Ingredients:

- 20 lbs red peppers

- 3 lbs tomatoes

- 2 1/2 cups oil

- 2 cups sugar

- 20-25 chili peppers, assorted

- 1/3 cup salt

Directions:

Roast the red peppers, peel and seed, and grind coarsely.

Cut the tomatoes in 4-5 pieces each, grind and toss with the peppers in oil, fry for about 10 minutes. Add the sugar and the salt, add some water and simmer until the mixture thickens.

Half way through, add the ground chili peppers.Preserve in jars. Eat cold.