Ajapsandali – Georgian Eggplant and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients:

Preparation mode:

👉 Ajapsandali is a colorful Georgian summer stew of eggplant, peppers, tomatoes and onions, finished with garlic and loads of fresh herbs. It is often called the Georgian ratatouille – delicious warm or cold.

🇬🇪 What Is Ajapsandali?

Ajapsandali (აჯაფსანდალი) is a classic vegetable dish made in late summer, when eggplants, peppers and tomatoes are at their best. Each vegetable is fried separately before stewing, so everything keeps its flavor. It is naturally vegan and a favorite during Orthodox fasting periods.

🍳 How to Make Ajapsandali

1. Prepare the eggplant. Cube the eggplants, salt them and leave for 15 minutes, then squeeze out the liquid

2. Fry the vegetables. Fry the eggplant in oil until golden and set aside. In the same pan, fry the potatoes (if using) until golden, then the onions and peppers until soft

3. Stew. Put all the vegetables in a pot, add the tomatoes and chili, cover and simmer over low heat for 20–25 minutes

4. Add herbs and garlic. Stir in the garlic and all the chopped herbs, season with salt and pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes more

5. Rest. Turn off the heat and let it rest for at least 15 minutes so the flavors come together

😋 Why You’ll Love Ajapsandali

Sweet summer vegetables, fragrant herbs and garlic make a stew that is light, healthy and full of flavor – and it tastes even better the next day.

💡 Tips for the Best Ajapsandali

• Fry the vegetables separately so they don’t turn mushy.
• Use plenty of herbs – they are essential.
• Serve at room temperature for the most aroma.
• Make a big batch; it keeps well in the fridge.

🍽️ How to Serve Ajapsandali

Serve as a side dish with grilled meat or mtsvadi, or as a main with fresh bread and cheese. Keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge.

❓ Ajapsandali FAQ

Is ajapsandali the same as ratatouille?
They are similar, but ajapsandali uses more garlic, chili and fresh herbs like cilantro and basil.

Can I serve it cold?
Yes – it is delicious warm, at room temperature or cold.

👉 Learn more about Georgian cuisine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgian_cuisine

More Georgian recipes on my website:
👉 https://cuisinesguide.com/recipe-cuisine/georgian-cuisine/
👉 Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread)
👉 Chicken Shkmeruli – Georgian Garlic Chicken

Footnotes:

Photo: Ajapsandali - Georgian eggplant stew by Georgian Recipes at Georgia About, Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0. Cropped and color-adjusted by Cuisines Guide.