Zacusca is a traditional Romanian vegetable spread made from roasted eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes, often enjoyed as a dip or spread on bread.

Vegetable zacusca is a traditional Romanian dish, perfect for adding a touch of flavor to your meals. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful appetizer or snack. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect zacusca, which can be enjoyed both freshly cooked and preserved in jars for winter.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 3 medium eggplants
- 3 bell peppers (preferably red)
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes
- 2 large onions
- 4 mushrooms (optional, for a richer taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Wash the eggplants and peppers, then place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Roast the eggplants and peppers for about 30-35 minutes, until the skin is blackened and the flesh is soft. In the meantime, you can prepare the onions and mushrooms.

2. Use a food processor to chop the onions and mushrooms into small pieces. This will help achieve a uniform texture in your zacusca. If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop the onions and mushrooms by hand, making sure they are finely minced.

3. Once the roasted vegetables have cooled slightly, peel off their skins. Cut the eggplants and peppers into small cubes. It’s important not to mash them too much to maintain the texture of the zacusca.

4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are golden and soft. This step will add a rich flavor base to your zacusca.

5. Add the chopped eggplants and peppers to the skillet, mixing well to combine the flavors. Add the diced tomatoes and salt. Stir again, then cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

6. Towards the end, add the finely chopped parsley and dill, mixing well. These fresh herbs will add a vibrant and fresh taste to your dish.

7. Once the zacusca is ready, you can enjoy it warm on slices of fresh bread or jar it for preservation. If you choose to preserve it, make sure the jars are properly sterilized.

Serving suggestion: Serve the zacusca with a slice of toasted bread, alongside cottage cheese or sheep cheese, for a perfect combination. You can also add olives or pickles for an extra flavor boost.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different vegetables, adding carrots or zucchini for a sweet note. Additionally, you can use spices like sweet paprika or chili to give your zacusca a spicy kick. This simple zacusca recipe is adaptable and can be customized according to your preferences.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to start cooking and enjoy this delicious vegetable zacusca!