Zucchini spread

Zucchini Zacusca Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Zucchini zacusca is a savory dish, full of color and flavor, ideal for enjoying both warm and cold. This recipe is perfect for spreading on a slice of fresh bread or as a side dish alongside a main course. Over time, zacusca has become a symbol of the autumn table, when vegetables are at their freshest and most flavorful. It is a great way to preserve the taste of summer and bring it to your table on chilly days.

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 large onions
- 5 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 2 large, fresh zucchinis
- 3 large, juicy tomatoes
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 sweet pepper
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Peel and finely chop the onions. Dice the yellow bell pepper and sweet pepper, and chop the tomatoes into cubes. Wash the zucchinis well, then grate them using a large grater. This step will help achieve a delicate texture that integrates perfectly into the zacusca.

2. In a deep pot, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, a process that will take about 5-7 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

3. Once the onion has softened, add the yellow bell pepper and sweet pepper. Let the vegetables cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the end, the peppers should be soft and fragrant.

4. Now, add the grated zucchini to the pot. It will cook quickly and add a light texture and moisture to the zacusca. Mix well to combine all the vegetables.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir. They will provide not only a fresh taste but also a vibrant color to the zacusca. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing the vegetables to simmer in their steam for 15-20 minutes. Check occasionally to see if the vegetables are cooked.

6. After the vegetables are well-cooked, add the tomato paste. This will enrich the flavor and bind all the ingredients together. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Let the zacusca cook on the heat for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors, then turn off the heat.

7. Allow the zacusca to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm on a slice of toasted bread or cold as a delicious spread for appetizers.

Practical tips:
- If you want a spicier zacusca, add a little chopped hot pepper.
- For a more aromatic taste, you can add fresh herbs like basil or dill in the last minutes of cooking.
- Zacusca can be stored in sterilized jars for winter. Make sure the jars are well-sealed to avoid spoilage.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each serving of zucchini zacusca contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. This is a low-calorie recipe, rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Zucchini is an excellent source of fiber, and tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can zucchini zacusca be frozen?
Yes, zacusca can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in freezing containers.
- What other recipes can I try with zucchini?
Zucchini is versatile! You can make a creamy zucchini soup, grilled zucchini, or even zucchini pies.

Delicious combinations:
Zucchini zacusca pairs perfectly with fresh cottage cheese or a crunchy green salad. An ideal drink to accompany it would be a dry white wine or fresh lemonade, which will highlight the flavors of the vegetables.

This zucchini zacusca recipe is not just a dish, but also a way to bring a bit of summer warmth to each day. So, don't hesitate to try it and customize it to your taste!