Delicious eggplant zacusca with roasted bell peppers, just like in Tarnave

Delicious Eggplant Caviar with Roasted Peppers

Caviar is one of those recipes that evokes warm childhood memories, when its inviting aroma filled the whole house. This roasted pepper caviar recipe is an excellent choice for winter, offering not only a delicious taste but also a stock of essential vitamins and nutrients. Moreover, the roasted peppers add a note of depth and flavor complexity, transforming this dish into a true delicacy.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 3 hours
Total time: 4 hours
Number of servings: approximately 20-23 jars

Necessary ingredients:

- 10 kg eggplants
- 6 kg roasted peppers
- 1.5 kg onions
- 700 ml vegetable oil
- 1 l homemade tomato juice (preferably)
- Salt (to taste)
- Peppercorns (to taste)
- Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)

Preparing the caviar:

1. Preparing the ingredients: The night before starting to cook, take the peppers and eggplants out of the freezer. It is essential to let them thaw completely. Also, wash the jars and sterilize them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-30 minutes. This will ensure that your caviar preserves perfectly.

2. Cleaning the onions: Peel the onions and wash them well. Use a food processor or a meat grinder to chop them finely. If you prefer, you can grate them on a large grater. If you choose to chop them by hand, be prepared to face tears, but the result is worth it!

3. Heating the oil: In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat over low heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onions. It is essential to cook the onions over low heat for about an hour, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Patience is the key to achieving caramelized onions, which will provide a rich flavor to the caviar.

4. Adding the peppers: Once the onions have turned golden and have a tempting aroma, add the roasted peppers, which can be chopped finely or blended. Simmer the mixture over low heat for another hour, stirring occasionally.

5. Including the eggplants and tomato juice: Now is the time to add the roasted eggplants, which can be peeled and chopped finely. Also, add the tomato juice, mix well, then season with salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Continue to simmer the mixture over low heat for another hour, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.

6. Packing the caviar: After three hours of cooking, the ingredients should be cooked and have a homogeneous consistency. Turn off the heat and pour the caviar into the sterilized jars. It is a good idea to use jars with lids, which ensure good preservation.

7. Preserving: Place the jars with caviar in a tray on a clean towel, add a few cups of warm water to the tray, and put everything in the oven for 30 minutes. This method will help seal the jars.

8. Cooling and storing: After the caviar has been in the oven, let the jars cool. Once cooled, you can store them in the pantry for use throughout the winter.

Practical tips:

- The peppers: Roasted peppers have a much more intense flavor than fresh ones. You can roast the peppers in the oven or on the grill to achieve a smoky flavor.
- The eggplants: Roasting the eggplants on the grill or in the oven will give them a soft texture and a richer taste. Make sure to peel them well after roasting to achieve a fine caviar.
- The onions: If you want a sweeter taste, you can add a little sugar when cooking the onions.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh peppers?
Although roasted peppers offer superior flavor, if you do not have roasted peppers, you can also use fresh ones, but you will need to cook the caviar longer.

2. How can I preserve the caviar for a longer time?
Ensure that the jars are well sterilized and that the caviar is hot when you pour it into the jars. Keep the jars in a cool, dark place.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can add hot peppers for a spicy flavor or even carrots for extra sweetness.

Pairing the caviar:

Eggplant caviar with roasted peppers pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh or toasted bread, but it can also be served alongside cottage cheese or as a side dish for various meat dishes. A bottle of white wine or fresh tomato juice would perfectly complement the meal.

Nutrition:

Caviar is not only delicious but also healthy. Eggplants and peppers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This caviar is an excellent source of fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.

This roasted pepper eggplant caviar recipe is not just a delicious dish but also a true culinary tradition. By cooking this caviar, you will not only gather beautiful memories but also bring a touch of warmth to the cold winter days. So embrace this culinary challenge and enjoy every step of the process!