Russian-style Vegetable Relish (Caviar). Икра Oвощная.

The popularity of this appetizer in Russia cannot be understated. I remember growing as a kid in Russia, tons of jars in stores lined the stores' shelves, moms and aunts making it in the fall by dozens of jars. Very likely, this recipe came to Russia from the Balkans or Mediterranean countries as very similar recipes exist in Bulgarian,  Serbian (Ajvar), and Turkish (Kyopolou) cuisines. In Russian it is called "caviar" and I thought it was an ironic reference to its ingredients - they were cheap and easy to come by or maybe, the texture of the dish that somewhat similar to caviar's.

Every family will have their own recipe and there are a dozens of recipes. In spite of this, the dish is so forgiving that you really can't spoil it by tweaking ingredients.

It can be served as a side dish, spread, appetizer, or on its own for a light snack.

Output: 1 liter

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 4 medium zucchinis
• 2 red bell pepper
• 1 eggplant
• 4 carrots
• 2 tomatoes
• 6 garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoons coriander
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns black pepper
• 1/2 cup dill and herbs to taste parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon salt 
• 1 tablespoon salt

Dice or slice all veggies thinly. Heat olive oil in a dutch oven and saute all veggies for about 30 min till veggies are soft and and liquids evaporate. Stir frequently. At the end add the herbs, salt, pepper and let cool. Put in a food processor and pulse till desired consistency. Refrigerate.