Eggplant Caviar

Eggplant Zacusca – A Fall Delicacy

Who doesn’t adore the rich and aromatic taste of eggplant zacusca? This traditional recipe is perfect for transforming seasonal vegetables into a delicacy that will leave pleasant memories on holiday tables. Zacusca has become synonymous with winter, serving as an excellent way to preserve fresh garden vegetables. In the following, I will guide you step by step through each stage of preparing this delicious zacusca.

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 800g

Ingredients:

- 7 kg eggplants
- 5 kg tomatoes
- 5 kg red bell peppers
- 3 kg sweet peppers
- 1 kg white onion
- Celery leaves (optional)
- 10 bay leaves
- Salt
- Pepper
- Basil
- Sugar (optional, to taste)
- Oil (about 1 liter, for cooking)

Preparing Zacusca: Step by Step

1. Washing and preparing the vegetables:
Start by washing all the vegetables under a stream of cold water. It is essential to remove impurities, especially since the zacusca will be preserved for a long time.

2. Roasting the vegetables:
The peppers, sweet peppers, and eggplants need to be roasted. You can do this on a grill, in the oven, or on a stovetop. Roasting will give them a smoky flavor and a better texture. After roasting, peel off the skin and seeds. An easy method is to place them in a covered pot to steam, making peeling easier.

3. Preparing the tomatoes:
The tomatoes should be turned into a puree. You can use a meat grinder or a grater, then strain the juice to remove excess liquid. This step is crucial to avoid the zacusca being too soft.

4. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Then, add the previously prepared tomato juice. Let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Adding the roasted vegetables:
Chop the roasted peppers and sweet peppers and add them to the pot, then chop the eggplants as for eggplant salad and add them as well. Mix everything well so the flavors combine perfectly.

6. Cooking the zacusca:
From this moment on, stir the mixture constantly. Zacusca requires attention to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer on low heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens and the colors intensify.

7. Seasoning:
After about an hour of cooking, add salt, pepper, finely chopped celery leaves, and basil. The latter will not only provide a wonderful flavor but also help prevent mold.

8. Packaging and preserving:
When the zacusca is ready, fill the sterilized jars with the hot mixture. This step is essential to kill bacteria. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing ingredients: Select fresh vegetables, as their quality influences the final taste. The eggplants should be firm, and the tomatoes should be meaty and juicy.
- Sugar: You can add a bit of sugar to the zacusca to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but adjust the amount according to your preferences.
- Spicy version: If you’re a fan of stronger flavors, you can add hot peppers for an extra kick.

Nutritional Benefits:
Zacusca is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while eggplants contain fiber, aiding digestion. This recipe is low-calorie, having about 100 calories per serving, depending on the oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- How long can zacusca be stored?
Zacusca can be stored for up to 3 years if properly packaged in sterilized jars.
- How can I serve it?
Zacusca is usually served on toasted bread, but it can also be used as a side dish for meats or grilled vegetables.
- Can I make zacusca without oil?
Oil is essential for cooking the vegetables and achieving a creamy texture. However, you can reduce the amount of oil, but it will slightly affect the final taste.

Serving:
For an extra flavor boost, serve zacusca with a slice of fresh bread, spread with butter or goat cheese. A bottle of white wine or freshly squeezed tomato juice can perfectly complement this meal.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Eggplant zacusca is more than just a dish; it’s a tradition, a memory, a part of family stories. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!