Lutenica, also spelled lyutenitsa or lutenitsa, is a Balkan vegetable relish made mainly from peppers and tomatoes, served cold (source). It comes in hot and mild versions, smooth or chunky. We carry 5 lutenica jars, from $5.49 to $12.09.
Last updated 2026-10-17 · prices and product facts from the live catalog
What is the difference between lutenica and ajvar?
Both are cooked pepper spreads, and Wikipedia groups them as relishes now produced at large scale (source). On the labels we have, the difference is the base. Our Zergüt and Hina lutenica jars list peppers and tomato (tomato paste in Zergüt) and no eggplant. Most ajvar jars list eggplant and no tomato. Hina Lutenica adds feferoni peppers, garlic and parsley.
Is lutenica spicy?
The name means "spicy" in Bulgarian, Serbian and Macedonian (source), but the real heat varies. Wikipedia lists hot and mild varieties (source). Of our 5 jars, the Zergüt 312 g label lists no hot pepper, with cumin and onion. Hina lists feferoni peppers. Check each product page.
Bulgarian vs Macedonian lutenica
Bulgarian lutenitsa is described as peppers and tomatoes, with chili, cooked down and jarred (source). We could not find a source that sets out how Macedonian lutenica differs, and we have no Macedonian-labeled lutenica in stock. Our jars are labeled Bulgarian (4) and Croatian style (1).
Which lutenica jars do we carry?
- Zergüt Lutenica, 312 g, $5.49: peppers, tomato paste, sunflower oil, sugar, salt, modified potato starch, onion, cumin, citric acid.
- Zergüt Chunky Relish, 540 g, $8.79: adds carrots, parsley, paprika powder, black pepper.
- Hina Chunky, 690 g, $12.09: roasted pepper, tomato, feferoni, sunflower oil, garlic, parsley; pasteurized, no preservatives.
- V&G Lutenitsa, 500 ml, $12.09 and V&G Lutenica, 550 g, $12.09.
Lutenica we carry
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Questions people ask
What is lutenica?
Lutenica is a cooked pepper and tomato relish from the Balkans, sold in jars and eaten cold (source). Spellings include lyutenitsa, lutenitsa and ljutenica. Our Zergüt 312 g jar, at $5.49, is peppers, tomato paste, oil, sugar, salt, modified potato starch, onion, cumin and citric acid.
Is lutenica the same as ajvar?
No. They are related, but the jars differ in ingredients: our lutenica jars use tomato and no eggplant, while most ajvar uses eggplant. Wikipedia also lists pindjur, an eggplant-based relish similar to both (source). Check the label of each jar to see which vegetables it uses.
How do you eat lutenica?
Spread it on bread, or serve it cold as a side dish with meat, cheese or eggs (source). It is a table condiment more than a cooking sauce. Open jars go in the refrigerator, and a spoonful goes a long way on a sandwich.
Is lutenica vegan?
The Zergüt Lutenica 312 g and Zergüt Chunky jars are flagged vegan in our data, and their ingredient lists show only plant items. For V&G and Hina, the data says vegetarian, so check the product page for the printed mark.
How long does lutenica last once opened?
Unopened jars keep until the printed date. After opening, refrigerate and use within about 2 weeks, or follow the label. This is general guidance, not a medical claim. Use a clean spoon each time and keep the lid tight after each use.
Is lutenica gluten-free?
We cannot say from our data. The Zergüt jars list modified potato starch, which is not a wheat ingredient, but gluten-free status is not stated on file. Check the product page for the printed mark, and read the full ingredient list if you avoid gluten for medical reasons.
Where to buy lutenica in the US
Online at hamiltoneuromarkets.com with UPS shipping to every state, or at our stores: San Jose — 4160 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129 · Alhambra — 445 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801. Mon–Sat 9 AM–8 PM, Sun 10 AM–7 PM.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyutenitsa · findbgfood.com/lyutenitsa. Product facts come from the package; general food-handling notes are guidance, not medical advice. Written and checked by Hamilton Euromarket.