Carrot spread

Carrot zacusca is a delicious and healthy dish, perfect to be served as an appetizer or snack. This simple and quick recipe offers a combination of flavors that will delight any table. Additionally, it is an excellent way to preserve seasonal vegetables. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the best zacusca, full of flavor.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

### Ingredients:

- 2.5 kg carrots (preferably fresh and juicy)
- 2.5 kg bell peppers (red, for a more intense flavor)
- 2 kg onions (white or yellow, depending on preference)
- 2 large celery (or celeriac, for a more interesting flavor)
- 500 ml oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 3 tablespoons vegeta
- Bay leaves (2-3, for flavor)
- 1 kg homemade tomato paste (or crushed tomatoes, for a fresher taste)

### Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the carrots and celery. Grate the carrots and celery on a fine grater. This will help the vegetables cook evenly. Finely chop the onion, and you can cut the bell peppers into small cubes for better incorporation into the zacusca.

2. Stewing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the grated carrots and celery and, if necessary, a little water to prevent sticking. Cover the pot with a lid and let the vegetables stew for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

3. Adding the onions and peppers: Once the carrots and celery have softened, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers start to soften (about 15-20 minutes).

4. Adding the tomato paste and spices: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the homemade tomato paste and season with vegeta and bay leaves. Mix the ingredients well to combine, then let the zacusca simmer on low heat for 1-1.5 hours. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Checking the consistency: The zacusca is ready when it has reduced sufficiently and has a thicker consistency. If it is too liquid, let it cook longer, but remember to stir constantly.

### Helpful tips:

- If you prefer a spicier zacusca, you can add chopped hot peppers or paprika during cooking.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to diversify the recipe.
- To keep the zacusca longer, sterilize the jars before filling them with hot zacusca.

### Serving:

Carrot zacusca is delicious served cold, alongside fresh or toasted bread. You can accompany it with sheep cheese or olives for a combination of flavors that will impress, regardless of the occasion.

This zacusca recipe is not just a tasty dish, but also a wonderful way to make the most of seasonal vegetables, offering an authentic and comforting taste. Enjoy every spoonful!