Spaghetti with zacusca sauce

Spaghetti with zacusca sauce: A journey into the flavors of childhood

Who doesn't fondly remember the taste of zacusca prepared with love? This delicious recipe for spaghetti with zacusca sauce combines nostalgia with innovation, transforming a classic dish into a modern and savory meal. Whether you're looking for a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner, this simple recipe will surely become your favorite!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 11 minutes
Total: 41 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 1 small onion
- 2 medium zucchini
- 7 peppers (red or green, to taste)
- 2 small eggplants
- 5 ripe tomatoes
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish and flavor)
- A piece of hot pepper (optional, for a spicier taste)
- 150 g spaghetti

Preparing the Zacusca
1. Start by peeling all the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, cut the zucchini and eggplants into medium-sized cubes, and slice the peppers into strips. The tomatoes can be quartered.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the zucchini and eggplants, stirring constantly. They will release water, helping them to cook evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and let them steam for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the vegetables have softened, add the peppers and tomatoes. Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, covered, for another 10-15 minutes until all the vegetables are well cooked and the flavors have blended beautifully.
5. Once the vegetables are ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Use a tomato press or blender to turn the mixture into a smooth sauce. This will help remove the skins from the peppers and make the sauce easier to digest.
6. Put the obtained sauce back on the heat and add salt to taste and the piece of hot pepper for a touch of spice. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then remove the hot pepper.

Preparing the Spaghetti
7. In a separate pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and let them cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 11 minutes.
8. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain them and add them directly to the skillet with the zacusca sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta with the flavorful sauce.

Serving
9. Divide the spaghetti with zacusca sauce onto plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves. You can serve it alongside slices of fresh bread, perfect for savoring the remaining sauce.

Useful tips:
- You can adapt the recipe using seasonal vegetables or your favorites. For example, adding carrots or mushrooms can provide a new dimension to the taste.
- If you're a fan of spicy dishes, you can add more hot pepper or even a few drops of chili sauce to the zacusca sauce.
- This zacusca sauce keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so you can prepare a larger batch and enjoy it in the following days.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in vegetables, making it a healthy and nutritious option. Tomatoes and peppers are excellent sources of antioxidants, while zucchini and eggplants provide essential fiber and vitamins. Olive oil offers healthy fats, contributing to heart health.

Calories (per serving): Approximately 400-450 kcal, depending on the amount of olive oil used.

A perfect combination:
These spaghetti with zacusca sauce pair wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade with mint. Additionally, a simple green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers can perfectly complement the meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, that's an excellent choice! Whole grain pasta is richer in fiber and nutrients.
2. Can I replace basil with another herb?
Sure! Mint or parsley can add interesting flavors.
3. Can I freeze the zacusca sauce?
Yes! You can freeze the sauce in an airtight container and use it later for pasta or on bread.

I hope this recipe for spaghetti with zacusca sauce will delight you and bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and share it with your loved ones!