Chopped zacusca

Zacusca is a traditional delicacy that brings a touch of summer into every winter. This zacusca recipe is perfect for fasting meals, as well as for any occasion when you want to impress family and friends with a savory dish. In the following lines, I will guide you step by step in making this delicious preparation, full of flavors and colors.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 3 hours
Number of servings: approximately 10 jars of 400g

Ingredients:
- 10 large eggplants
- 30 red bell peppers
- 10 sweet peppers
- 3 kg tomatoes (preferably summer, ripe, and juicy)
- 1 kg onion
- 400 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 4 garlic cloves
- Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)
- Peppercorns (5-10 peppercorns)
- Salt (to taste)

The story of zacusca
Zacusca has a rich and varied history, being a dish that has been prepared for generations in rural households. The origins of this recipe are hard to establish, but it is known that each family has its own recipe, with the complexity of flavors reflecting the nature of seasonal ingredients. Over time, zacusca has become a symbol of the cold season, being an excellent way to preserve fresh vegetables and enjoy them in the colder months.

Step by step in making zacusca

1. Preparing the vegetables
- Start by washing the eggplants, bell peppers, and sweet peppers well. Then, roast the eggplants on a grill or hot plate until the skin becomes black and the flesh is soft. This step is essential, as roasting adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
- Once the eggplants have cooled, peel them and place them in a container at an angle to drain the bitter juice. It is important to let them sit for a few hours to achieve a finer and more aromatic zacusca.

2. Chopping the vegetables
- Cut the bell peppers and sweet peppers in half, remove the stems and seeds, then wash and let them drain. Use a meat grinder or food processor to chop them finely. This step will help to even out the texture of the zacusca.
- The onion should be peeled, washed, and chopped finely. This will add a sweet and aromatic taste to your zacusca.

3. Cooking the zacusca
- In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes golden. This step is crucial for extracting the flavors from the onion.
- Once the onion is ready, add the chopped eggplants, bell peppers, and sweet peppers. Mix the ingredients well and let them simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Adding the final ingredients
- Once the mixture begins to homogenize, add the thick tomato juice, crushed garlic, the remaining oil, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt to taste. It is recommended to use fresh tomatoes, but you can also opt for store-bought tomato juice, ensuring it is of good quality.
- When the zacusca begins to boil, transfer the pot to the preheated oven at 160-180°C. Let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours until the oil rises to the surface, indicating that the zacusca is ready.

5. Preserving the zacusca
- Once the zacusca is well cooked, pour it into sterilized jars and seal them airtight. It is important to use clean jars to prevent contamination. You can sterilize jars by boiling them or in the oven.
- Let the jars cool to room temperature, then store them in a cool, dark place. Zacusca can be consumed immediately, but it will taste even better after a few days of resting.

Useful tips:
- If you like a spicier zacusca, you can add hot peppers or spices like smoked paprika.
- Experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to add variety to the dish.
- Zacusca pairs perfectly with fresh bread, polenta, or cheese, and for a complete meal, you can accompany it with a dry white wine or craft beer.

Nutritional benefits
Zacusca is not only delicious but also healthy. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants due to the fresh vegetables, offering a good source of fiber, essential for digestion. Additionally, eggplants contain compounds that may help lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other vegetables in zacusca?
- Yes, you can experiment with different vegetables. Zucchini or carrots are excellent options to add a new flavor.

2. How long can zacusca be stored?
- Well-preserved zacusca can be kept for several years, but it is best consumed within 1-2 years.

3. How can I sterilize jars?
- Jars can be sterilized by boiling in water for 10-15 minutes or by baking at 120°C for 30 minutes.

Zacusca is more than just a dish; it is a memory of summer, a symbol of culinary tradition, and a wonderful way to preserve the flavor of fresh vegetables. With each jar of zacusca, you bring a touch of sunshine into the cold winter days. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the authentic taste of tradition!