Zucchini spread

Zucchini Caviar – The Delight of Autumn

If you are looking for a zucchini caviar recipe that brings a touch of garden magic into your home, you have come to the right place! Zucchini caviar is not only a simple recipe but also an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. This traditional recipe, full of flavor, is perfect to be served on a slice of fresh bread or as a side dish to a hearty meal. Let’s start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400 g

Necessary ingredients:

- 4 kg fresh zucchini (choose younger zucchini for a finer texture)
- 1 kg white onion (for a milder taste)
- 1 kg red onion (adds a note of sweetness)
- 450 g tomato purée (or natural tomato juice)
- 2-3 tablespoons pepper purée (or roasted bell peppers for a richer taste)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (to taste, to intensify the aroma)
- Oregano (fresh or dried, to taste)
- Bay leaves (2-3 pieces, for a special aroma)
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
- Dried parsley leaves (for an extra touch of freshness)
- Oil (of your choice, preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- Delicat or vegeta (optional, for a more intense flavor)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the white and red onions. Chop them finely for even sautéing. In a large pot, add a few tablespoons of oil and let it heat over medium heat.

2. Sautéing the onions: Add the chopped onions to the hot oil and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. The onions should become glassy but should not burn.

3. Adding the purée: When the onions are nearly ready, add the tomato purée. If you choose to use roasted bell peppers, chop them and add them now. Let everything simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

4. Preparing the zucchini: Peel the zucchini and grate them using a large grater. Make sure to remove the seeds if necessary. Add the grated zucchini to the pot with the onions and purée.

5. Seasoning: Season with oregano, bay leaves, crushed garlic, pepper, and parsley leaves. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Let everything simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Transferring to the oven: After the mixture has simmered for 15-20 minutes, transfer everything to a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and let it bake at 180 degrees Celsius for about 30-40 minutes, or until the oil starts to surface.

7. Bottling: When the caviar is ready, prepare the sterilized jars. Fill each jar with hot caviar, leaving a little space at the top. It is important to seal the jars well to prevent oxidation.

8. Finalizing the process: Put the jars back in the oven for another 5 minutes at 180 degrees, then turn off the oven. Let the jars cool down with the oven closed. This will help create a vacuum, keeping the caviar fresh for a longer period.

Useful tips:

- Try to use fresh zucchini from the garden, as they have a better flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier caviar, add a finely chopped chili pepper to the mixture.
- This caviar pairs wonderfully with fresh bread or cottage cheese for a delicious appetizer.

Nutritional benefits:
Zucchini caviar is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh ingredients. Zucchini are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Onions and garlic have antioxidant properties, while olive or sunflower oil provides essential fatty acids needed by the body.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables like carrots, eggplants, or mushrooms, depending on your personal preferences.
2. Can the caviar be frozen? While it is recommended to consume it fresh, zucchini caviar can be frozen, but the texture may be slightly affected.
3. How can I improve the recipe? Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme can provide an interesting flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Zucchini caviar is perfect as an appetizer, served on toasted bread slices, alongside a glass of dry white wine or craft beer. You can also use it as a side dish for grilled meat or as a filling for sandwiches.

Experiment with this wonderful zucchini caviar recipe and turn it into your own creation! Whether you enjoy it in winter or give it as a gift to loved ones, you will bring joy to everyone’s table. Enjoy your meal!