Mackerel Spread

Mackerel Zacusca: A Delicacy Cooked with Love

Who doesn't love a jar of savory zacusca on the holiday table or as a simple snack? Zacusca, a classic dish, is a type of vegetable and fish preserve, full of flavor and nostalgia. This mackerel-based recipe brings a touch of innovation and taste, perfect for delighting your family and friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 4 jars of 400 g

Ingredients

- 2 kg frozen mackerel
- 500 g smoked mackerel fillet
- 1 kg yellow onion
- 1 kg carrots
- 2 kg kapia and bell peppers
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 300 ml oil
- 400 g tomato paste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Lemon pepper
- Coriander
- Mustard seeds
- Dried dill
- Sage
- Oregano
- Sweet and spicy paprika
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 l water + 100 ml vinegar

A Brief History

Zacusca is a popular dish in many cultures, being an excellent way to preserve seasonal vegetables. Its origins are deeply rooted in the cooking traditions of various regions, where local ingredients were used to create tasty and nutritious mixtures. Nowadays, zacusca is often made in households, tasting much better than store-bought preserves.

Preparation Technique

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

Start by thawing the mackerel. You can do this by leaving it in a bowl of cold water or, for a quicker option, in milk. Once thawed, remove the head, tail, and fins, then gut the fish, cleaning it well. Rinse it under cold running water and cut it into smaller pieces.

Put the fish in a pot of water, add a teaspoon of salt and 100 ml of vinegar. Boil it for 10-15 minutes until well cooked. Once boiled, drain the water, remove the bones, and shred it. It's fine to leave some larger pieces for a pleasant texture contrast.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

Peel the onion, carrots, and peppers. Use a food processor to chop the onion, carrot, and pepper if you want a uniform consistency.

Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables

Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent. This is a perfect time to add the two tablespoons of sugar. Also, add the balsamic vinegar. Caramelizing the onion will add a sweet and rich note to your zacusca.

When the onion has turned golden, add the grated carrots. Cook until softened, then add the peppers. Continue to cook until the vegetables are well cooked through.

Step 4: Seasoning

Before adding the spices, grind them together to release their flavors. Add them to the vegetables along with salt, being careful not to overdo it, as the fish will also add salt. Then add the tomato paste and mix well.

Step 5: Combining the Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the boiled and smoked fish. Mix everything very well, ensuring the fish is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Baking

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes. The oil will start to rise to the surface, indicating that the zacusca is ready.

Step 7: Sterilizing the Jars

Remove the dish from the oven and adjust the salt and spice taste again. Prepare the cleaned and sterilized jars. Fill them with hot zacusca, put on the lids, and return them to the oven for another 5 minutes. This process will ensure a perfect seal.

After removing the jars, you can leave them in the oven until the next day or wrap them in a blanket to cool gradually. This step is essential to avoid deforming the lids.

Tips and Tricks

- Spices: You can experiment with various spices like turmeric or cumin to give the zacusca a personalized twist.
- Vegetables: If you like vegetables, you can add zucchini or eggplant for a more complex texture.
- Storing Zacusca: Zacusca can be stored well in the pantry for a few months, but once opened, consume it within a few weeks.

Nutritional Benefits

This mackerel zacusca is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Mackerel is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health. The vegetables add fiber and vitamins, making this dish a healthy option for any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, you can experiment with tuna or salmon, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I serve zacusca?
Zacusca is delicious on toasted bread, as an appetizer, alongside cheese, or as a side dish for meats.

3. How long can it be kept?
If sterilized correctly, zacusca can be stored for up to a year.

4. What drinks pair well with zacusca?
A dry white wine or a pale lager are excellent combinations.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Enjoy every step of the preparation and the unmistakable aroma of your mackerel zacusca. I assure you it will become a favorite in your home, and your loved ones will surely appreciate your efforts. Enjoy your meal!