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Ajika – Spicy Georgian Red Pepper Paste

Ingredients:

Fresh red hot chili peppers

300 Grams

or 150 g dried, soaked

Garlic

100 Grams

about 2 heads, peeled

Ground coriander

2 Tablespoons

Utskho suneli (blue fenugreek)

1 Tablespoons

Khmeli suneli

1 Tablespoons

Walnuts

50 Grams

optional

Salt

2 Tablespoons

coarse

Preparation mode:

👉 Ajika (adjika) is a fiery red pepper paste from Samegrelo and Abkhazia, made with hot chilies, garlic, coriander and blue fenugreek. A small spoonful adds heat and deep flavor to meat, vegetables and soups.

🇬🇪 What Is Ajika?

Ajika (აჯიკა) was traditionally ground by hand between two stones. Megrelian red ajika is thick and very spicy; there is also a green version made with green chilies and herbs. It keeps for months thanks to the salt.

🍳 How to Make Ajika

1. Prepare the peppers. Remove the stems from the chilies (and some seeds for less heat). If using dried peppers, soak them in hot water for 1 hour and drain

2. Grind. Grind the peppers, garlic and walnuts (if using) in a food processor or meat grinder into a paste

3. Season. Add the coriander, blue fenugreek, khmeli suneli and salt and mix well

4. Rest. Pack into clean jars, close and let the flavors develop for 1–2 days before using

😋 Why You’ll Love Ajika

It brings real Georgian heat and aroma to any dish, and a single jar lasts for months.

💡 Tips for the Best Ajika

Wear gloves when handling hot peppers.
Adjust heat by keeping or removing seeds.
Grind twice for a smoother paste.
Store in the fridge with a thin layer of oil on top.

🍽️ How to Serve Ajika

Use with grilled meat, roast chicken, boiled potatoes, eggs or mixed into sauces and stews. Keeps in the fridge for up to 6 months.

❓ Ajika FAQ

Is ajika the same as harissa?
Both are chili pastes, but ajika uses blue fenugreek and coriander, giving a distinctly Georgian flavor.

Is ajika very spicy?
Traditional Megrelian ajika is very hot – use a little at a time.

👉 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: Adjika e-citizen by Moonsun1981, Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and color-adjusted by Cuisines Guide.