Mom’s Adjika Recipe – A Russians’ Pesto! (Аджика)
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours

Ingredients
- 1 lb about 2 large Carrots, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
- 1 lb about 5 medium Apples, peeled and cored
- 1 lb 3-4 large Bell peppers - chopped into 1" pieces
- 5 lbs about 10 cups ripe tomatoes, sliced into quarters
- 1 cup oil, olive, canola or vegetable oil
- 150 grams 2/3 cup or about 24 large garlic cloves
- 150 grams 2/3 cup or about 14 medium jalapenos, stems removed
- 2 Tbsp Salt
Instructions
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Using a food processor, mince carrots, apples, bell peppers, tomatoes and put them in a large soup pot.
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Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, stir and bring to a boil again and repeat a few more times until the mixture is heated through and boiling consistently when stirred. The mixture is very thick so it takes a few stirs to heat it through.
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Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally.
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Mince the garlic and jalapenos together in the food processor.
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Add Oil, Salt, Garlic and Jalapenos to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
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Prepare the cans.
Canning Process:
To sterilize your clean jars: wash them and let them dry in the oven at 215 for about 20 min or until completely dry. Boil the lids 5 min.
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Transfer your boiling hot adjika to the jars using a glass measuring cup and a funnel (least messy method) leaving about 1/4" space.
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Screw the lids on enough to keep a tight seal in place but don't over-tighten them since air bubbles need to be able to escape.
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Place packed cans into the canning pot and cover with 1-2 inches of water. Bring to a boil and process 15 minutes. Remove from the pot with jar lifter and leave at room temperature undisturbed for 12-24 hours. You may hear a pop when the jars fully seal. After 24 hours, check that the seal has formed by pushing down on the center of the lid - it should not move at all. If the seal does not form, refrigerate adjika and enjoy within 3 months.