Zucchini spread

Zucchini Zacusca Recipe – Spicy and Mild

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400 g

Welcome to the world of delicious vegetable preserves! Today, I present to you a recipe for zucchini zacusca, an excellent choice for preserving summer in jars. This recipe will take you back in time, bringing back the flavors of childhood and moments spent around the table with loved ones. Zacusca is a canning tradition, and zucchini adds a slightly sweet note and a pleasant texture, making it a perfect base for delicious combinations.

The Story of Zacusca

Zacusca was originally created as a method for preserving vegetables for winter. Over time, each housewife adapted the recipe to the available ingredients, and now there is an impressive variety of zacusca, from those with eggplant to those with mushrooms or fish. This zucchini zacusca recipe offers you not only a delicious dish but also a healthy way to preserve vegetables.

Ingredients

For zucchini zacusca:
- 4 kg zucchini
- 700 g leek
- 800 g onion
- 1500 g tomatoes
- 1500 g red bell pepper/kapia/gogosar
- 2 carrots
- 200 ml oil
- Salt, pepper to taste
- Bay leaves
- A few cloves of garlic
- A pinch of allspice
- A few coriander seeds

For spicy zacusca:
- 1 chopped chili pepper
- A pinch of chili flakes (or to taste)

Preparing Zacusca

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by washing the zucchini and grating them. Add a little salt and let them drain in a colander for 30 minutes. This step is essential to remove excess water and prevent a watery zacusca.

2. Roasting the Peppers
Roast the peppers on the stovetop or in the oven until the skin turns brown. Then, peel them and cut them into small pieces.

3. Chopping the Vegetables
Finely chop the onion and leek, and grate the peeled carrots.

4. Preparing the Tomato Sauce
Blanch the tomatoes for a few minutes in boiling water to remove the skin, then blend them until you obtain a smooth puree.

5. Cooking the Vegetables
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, add a cup of water and let the onion sweat over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.

6. Adding the Carrots
Once the onion becomes soft, add the grated carrots and continue to cook, adding hot water if necessary.

7. Including the Zucchini and Peppers
When the carrots have softened, add the drained zucchini and roasted peppers. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Finalizing the Zacusca
Add the tomato puree, salt, pepper, bay leaves, crushed garlic, and spices. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid reduces and the mixture becomes homogeneous and thick.

9. Preparing the Spicy Zacusca
If you like a spicy taste, take half of the zacusca and add the chopped chili pepper and chili flakes. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

10. Jar Filling
Fill sterilized jars with hot zacusca. It is recommended to use a stainless steel tray to avoid mess and prevent jar breakage.

11. Sterilization
Sterilize the jars for 30 minutes in boiling water, starting from when the water begins to boil. This step is important to ensure the preservation and safety of the dish.

12. Cooling the Jars
Once sterilized, let the jars cool under towels or a blanket until the next day. This will create a vacuum that helps preserve the zacusca.

Serving and Suggestions

Zucchini zacusca is served with fresh bread, alongside cheese or olives. You can try pairing it with a refreshing drink, such as freshly squeezed tomato juice or even a dry white wine, which will complement the flavors.

Tips and Useful Advice

- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: Zucchini zacusca is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. A 100 g serving contains approximately 100-120 calories, making it a healthy and nourishing choice.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to create a personalized zacusca. Even adding a few olives or capers can provide an interesting twist.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
*What can I do if the zacusca is too salty?* You can add a little water or even a bit of sugar to balance the taste.
*How can I keep the zacusca longer?* Make sure the jars are well sterilized and stored in a cool, dark place.

Conclusion

Zucchini zacusca is a dish that should not be missing from your pantry. This simple yet delicious recipe will allow you to enjoy the flavors of summer even on beautiful winter days. I encourage you to try it and share the result with your loved ones. Perhaps soon you will also become a fan of zacusca preserves!