Fish zacusca (Original recipe taken from Varatec Monastery)

Fish Zacusca: A Delicacy with Deep Roots

Since ancient times, zacusca has been a beloved dish, with each housewife having her own version. This mix of vegetables and fish is perfect for enjoying on toasted bread or as a side dish. Today, I invite you to discover the fish zacusca recipe inspired by the traditions of the Varatec Monastery. This recipe is not only delicious but also full of nostalgia, evoking beautiful memories of family meals.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10-12 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 4 kg of fish (any type of fish can be used, whole or fillet; opt for a fresh variant)
- 4 kg of cleaned and thinly sliced onions
- 1 kg of carrots (about 3-4 large carrots)
- 1 liter of oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 1 kg of roasted red peppers or bell peppers, peeled and diced
- 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste or puree
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar

Preparing Fish Zacusca:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning the onions, then slice them thinly. Make sure you have a sharp knife to make this task easier. Place the onions in a large pot, preferably cast iron, to distribute the heat evenly.

Step 2: Grating the carrots
Peel the carrots and grate them using a large grater. They will bring a sweet taste and vibrant color to your zacusca. Add the grated carrots to the pot with the onions.

Step 3: Preparing the fish
If using whole fish, make sure to properly fillet it. The fish meat will be finely chopped using a meat grinder. The bones and heads, although not consumed, can be boiled to enrich the flavor of the zacusca. Boil them for a few minutes, then crumble the cooked meat and mix it with the chopped fish.

Step 4: Roasting the peppers
If you don’t have roasted peppers, you can roast them in the oven or on the stovetop until the skin turns black. Once cooled, peel them and dice them. They will add an intense, sweet, and smoky flavor to your dish.

Step 5: Cooking the mixture
In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the onions over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become translucent. Then, add the carrots and continue to sauté for a few minutes. Next, add the fish, peppers, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well and let everything simmer on low heat, covered, for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Preserving the zacusca
Once the zacusca has reached a thick consistency, prepare the jars. Ensure they are well cleaned and sterilized so that the zacusca lasts longer. Pour the hot zacusca into the jars, then wrap them in newspapers or towels and boil them in a steam bath for 20 minutes. This step is essential for preserving the dish.

Step 7: Cooling and storing
After boiling the jars, let them cool completely until the next day. After that, remove them from the water, wipe them, and store them in a cool place, such as a cellar or pantry.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh fish for better taste, but frozen fish can also be successfully used.
- Fish zacusca can be served as an appetizer on a slice of toasted bread or as a side dish with a steak.
- Add spices like smoked paprika or thyme for extra flavor.
- If you like a spicier taste, you can add fresh or dried chili peppers.

Nutritional benefits:
Fish zacusca is rich in protein due to the fish content, and the vegetables provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals. The oil contributes essential fatty acids, while the sugar adds a pleasant taste and balances the flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned fish?
While it is preferable to use fresh or frozen fish, you can also opt for canned fish, but keep in mind that the flavors will be different.
- How long does zacusca last?
If prepared and preserved correctly, fish zacusca can last for a year under optimal conditions.

Possible variations:
- Zacusca can be made with different types of fish, such as salmon, trout, or carp.
- You can add various vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to vary the recipe.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Fish zacusca is a recipe that brings family and friends together and will surely become a favorite in your pantry. Happy cooking!