Mushroom spread

Mushroom Zacusca - A Savory Recipe for Winter Days

Zacusca is a culinary specialty that reminds us of warm summers when fresh vegetables filled our tables with vibrant flavors and colors. This mushroom zacusca recipe is not only a delicious dish but also an excellent way to preserve the taste of summer for winter. Moreover, it is a healthy choice, packed with vitamins and nutrients.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 90-100 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 10-12 jars of 400g

Ingredients:

- 6 kg eggplants
- 2 kg mushrooms
- 1 kg onions
- 1 kg bell peppers
- 4 kg sweet peppers
- 1 l oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1500 ml tomato juice (homemade tomato puree can also be used)
- Salt (to taste)
- Peppercorns (1-2 tablespoons)
- Bay leaves (2-3)

Necessary equipment:

- Oven
- Large pots
- Wooden spoon
- Glass jars (sterilized)
- Baking sheet (optional)

Steps to prepare mushroom zacusca:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by roasting the eggplants, sweet peppers, and bell peppers. You can roast them on a grill or in the oven until the skin becomes black and the flesh soft. Once cooled, peel them and chop finely. This step is essential for achieving a smooth and uniform texture in the zacusca.

2. The mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms by washing them well under cold running water. Cut them into larger pieces, including the stems, which add intense flavor to the dish.

3. The onions: Peel and finely chop the onions. In a large pot, heat the oil and add the onions. Sauté them over low heat until translucent, being careful not to brown them too much, as this could alter the final taste of the zacusca.

4. Mixing the ingredients: Once the onions are ready, add all the vegetables (eggplants, sweet peppers, bell peppers, and mushrooms), tomato juice, and salt. Mix all the ingredients well. It is important to use a large pot to avoid splattering and to ensure even heat distribution.

5. Cooking: Let the mixture simmer over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cooking for 90-100 minutes will ensure proper evaporation of water and concentration of flavors. The longer you cook, the more intense the taste will be.

6. Seasoning: About 10 minutes before finishing cooking, add the bay leaves and peppercorns. These spices will enhance the flavor of your zacusca.

7. Preparing the jars: While the zacusca is cooking, prepare the jars. Wash them well and place them in a preheated oven at 150°C for 15-20 minutes to sterilize. This step is crucial to prevent bacterial growth.

8. Packaging: When the zacusca is ready, fill the jars with hot zacusca, seal them tightly, and place them back in the hot oven, but with the heat turned off. Leave them there until completely cooled. This method helps create a vacuum, ensuring better preservation.

Practical tips:

- Vegetable varieties: You can experiment with different types of mushrooms or add olives for a more intense flavor.
- Serving suggestion: Zacusca is excellent served on a slice of toasted bread, alongside feta cheese or a fresh salad.
- Storage: Zacusca can be stored in the pantry, but once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and is recommended to be consumed within 1-2 weeks.

Nutritional benefits:

Mushroom zacusca is rich in vitamins and minerals, being an excellent source of antioxidants due to the vegetables and tomatoes. The mushrooms add significant plant protein and fiber, making this dish a healthy choice.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables can be a practical option, but fresh taste will always be more intense.
2. What other recipes can I make with zacusca? Zacusca is delicious as an appetizer, but it can also be used as a sauce for pasta or pizza.
3. How long does zacusca last? If prepared correctly and stored in sterilized jars, zacusca can last up to a year.

Mushroom zacusca is more than just a recipe; it is a way to bring summer into winter, to share moments of culinary joy with loved ones, and to respect culinary traditions. So, dress your cooking sketches in warm flavors and indulge your taste buds!