Zucchini and carrot spread

Zucchini and Carrot Zacusca

If you are looking for a delicious and healthy zacusca recipe that is also suitable for diabetics, you have come to the right place! This zucchini and carrot zacusca recipe is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavor, perfect for enjoying on fresh bread or as a side dish to various meals. Let us be inspired by the cooking tradition that has brought communities together and created unforgettable memories.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 8 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:

4 kg zucchini
1 kg carrot
1 kg onion
500 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
3/4 jar of tomato paste (approximately 600 g)
salt, white pepper, bay leaves, and oregano, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the onion. Wash it well and chop it finely. The onion is the base of the flavors in this recipe and will add depth to the taste. Then, take the carrot, wash it, and grate it on a fine grater. The carrot will provide sweetness to the zacusca, balancing the slightly bitter taste of the zucchini.

For the zucchini, peel them, cut them in half, and scoop out the seeds. Wash them again and grate them on a coarse grater. This is an excellent method for preparing them, as grating will allow the zucchini to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the spices.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pot, add the oil and turn the heat to medium. Once the oil is well heated, add the onion and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot changes color.

3. Adding the zucchini:
After the onion and carrot are sautéed, add the grated zucchini. Mix all the ingredients well. You can now add salt, white pepper, bay leaves, and oregano, to your preference. It is important to adjust the spices to your personal taste. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

4. Cooking the mixture:
The zucchini will release some juice, so it is important to let it simmer until this evaporates. Then, add the tomato paste. Once you have added the tomato paste, let the zacusca simmer further, but not more than 10-15 minutes, just until the oil starts to rise to the surface. This is the sign that the zacusca is ready.

5. Bottling and preserving:
When the zacusca is cooked, take the sterilized jars and fill them with the hot mixture. Screw on the lids and place the jars in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes. This process helps in preserving them. After the jars have cooled, store them in the pantry.

Practical tips:
- You can adjust the amount of oil according to your preferences, but be careful not to reduce it too much, as oil helps preserve the zacusca.
- If you like it spicy, you can add a bit of finely chopped hot pepper to the vegetable mixture.
- Zacusca can be served with a slice of toasted bread, but it is also an excellent accompaniment to chicken or fish dishes.

Nutritional benefits:
This zacusca is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables used. Zucchini is a good source of water and potassium, while carrots provide an important amount of beta-carotene, beneficial for vision and skin health. Additionally, oven cooking helps preserve nutrients, making this zacusca a healthy option for any meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace zucchini with other vegetables? Yes, you can experiment with eggplant or bell peppers, but the cooking time will vary.
- How can I keep the zacusca longer? Make sure the jars are well sealed and stored in a cool, dark place.
- Is it suitable for vegans? Absolutely! This recipe is 100% vegan and ideal for anyone looking to adopt a healthy diet.

A personal note:
This zucchini and carrot zacusca recipe reminds me of the moments spent with my family when my mother prepared zacusca for the winter. We would all gather around the table, savoring the intense and nostalgic flavors while sharing stories about summer days. May this recipe inspire you to create memories of your own!

Combine this zacusca with a glass of white wine or a cold lemonade for an unforgettable culinary experience! Enjoy every bite and relish the simple beauty of cooking at home!