Zacusca

Vegetable zacusca is a traditional dish, full of flavor and memories, that brings together the tastes of autumn in a jar. It is a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, bringing together slowly cooked vegetables that transform into a perfect delicacy for sandwiches or appetizers. If you want to recreate the magic of zacusca just like your mother used to make, I invite you to follow this detailed recipe, which will provide you with the desired result: a delicious zacusca with a perfect texture and enticing aromas.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20-21 jars of 450 ml

Ingredients:

- 6 kg eggplants
- 3 kg kapia peppers
- 3 kg bell peppers
- 2 kg onions
- 1 liter oil
- 2 and a half tablespoons of coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 400 g tomato paste
- 2 packets of preservative (optional)
- 2 bay leaves

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the onion. Once peeled, use a food processor to finely chop it. This method will save you time and help you achieve a uniform consistency.

2. Cooking the onion: Place the chopped onion in a large pot, add 1 liter of oil, and let it simmer on low heat for 1 hour and a half. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The aroma of the sautéed onion will give a special taste to your zacusca.

3. Roasting the vegetables: Meanwhile, prepare the eggplants, kapia peppers, and bell peppers. Roast them on a grill or in the oven until the skin is charred and the inside becomes soft. The peppers and bell peppers can be covered with a lid during roasting to steam and make peeling easier.

4. Cleaning the vegetables: After the eggplants are roasted, peel them while they are still warm, as the skin will come off more easily. Also, clean the kapia peppers and bell peppers, removing the seeds and stems. Remember to keep the juice that remains from the peppers, as you will use it later.

5. Chopping the vegetables: All the cleaned vegetables (eggplants, kapia peppers, and bell peppers) should be passed through a meat grinder. Make sure to achieve a homogeneous paste that will perfectly coat the sautéed onion.

6. Cooking the zacusca: Use a large pot with double walls to cook the vegetable mixture. Add the chopped vegetables and the onion cooked in oil, along with the salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir constantly and let it simmer on medium heat for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. During this time, the flavors will blend perfectly, creating a delicious zacusca.

7. Adding the tomato paste: In the juice from the peppers that you saved, add the tomato paste. Mix well and add the entire mixture to the pot with the vegetables. Continue to stir and cook for another 30 minutes.

8. Preserving the zacusca: When the zacusca is ready, fill the jars with the hot mixture. Pack the mixture well to avoid air bubbles. On top, add a little heated oil, which will help with preservation. Then, place the lid on each jar.

9. Sterilizing the jars: Arrange the jars in a tray and place them in the preheated oven at 120°C for 10-15 minutes to ensure they seal properly. Once you take them out of the oven, let them cool completely at room temperature.

10. Storing the zacusca: Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place, so the zacusca will stay fresh for a longer time.

Useful tips:

- Types of vegetables: You can experiment with various vegetables, adding carrots or zucchini for a different note.
- Flavoring: If you like a spicier zacusca, add hot peppers to the mixture.
- Serving: Zacusca is delicious on a slice of toasted bread, but you can also use it as a side dish for meats or fish.

Nutritional information: A serving of zacusca (approximately 100 g) contains about 100-120 calories, depending on the oil used. It is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, due to the fresh vegetables, making it a healthy choice for snacks or meals.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How can I keep zacusca for a longer time?
Make sure the jars are well sealed and stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep in the refrigerator.

2. Can zacusca be frozen?
Yes, zacusca can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to preserve its aroma.

3. What are the best combinations with zacusca?
Zacusca pairs perfectly with cheese, olives, or as part of an appetizer platter. It can also be served with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Now that you have all this information and tips, you are ready to put your culinary skills to the test and create an unforgettable zacusca, full of the flavors of autumn. Don't forget to share with your loved ones, as each jar of zacusca is a piece of your heart!