Red menace

Marco Polo Vegetable Spread

by Julia Hanna

noshing & sipping

Dairy of a madman, August 3 Pearl drinks, July 27 Scone tomorrow, July 20 'Cueing up, July 13

Bulgaria is the unlikely provenance of this simple yet versatile condiment made from red peppers, eggplant, and garlic. It's not clear what they do with the stuff in Eastern Europe, but its Day-Glo shade of red and forcefully piquant flavor can put zip in a turkey sandwich or add kick to a quesadilla. We're still experimenting, but we can imagine interesting possibilities in the realm of pasta sauces, omelets, and deviled eggs. One jar goes a long way, weighing in at well over one pound and running only $3.49. Who knows what Marco Polo has to do with it, but if this doesn't expand your culinary horizons, nothing will. Marco Polo Vegetable Spread is available at Arax Market, 585 Mount Auburn Street, in Watertown. Call (617) 924-3399.

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