Leskovacki ajvar is a gourmet speciality from southern Serbia, regarded for decades as the finest ajvar in the country. It is made exclusively from large, fleshy red peppers of the kurtovska kapija or roga varieties, grown in sandy fields around Leskovac and harvested ripe in September.

The peppers are first roasted on a grill or in wood-fired ovens, then peeled and de-seeded entirely by hand. The pepper flesh is then transferred to large cauldrons where it is slow-cooked with cold-pressed sunflower oil, salt, vinegar and garlic. Stirring continues for several hours until a thick, smooth paste of intense red colour is obtained. Domacinstvo Stojkovic adds no preservatives — long slow-cooking and proper sterilisation in glass jars give the product its natural shelf life.

Leskovacki ajvar is a universal accompaniment: spread on bread, serve alongside roast meat, pljeskavica and cheeses, or use as a base for sauces. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 14 days.