Mushroom spread

Mushroom Zacusca – A Traditional Delicacy in a Jar

Who doesn't love a delicious zacusca, full of flavors, perfect for savoring on a slice of fresh bread? This mushroom zacusca recipe is not just a simple recipe, but a true culinary art that combines simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a dish that will bring a touch of joy to every meal. Over time, zacusca has become a symbol of culinary traditions, lovingly prepared in many households. Let's embark on this culinary journey together and discover the secrets of a perfect zacusca, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400g

Ingredients:
- 2 kg fresh mushrooms
- 5 kg bell peppers
- 3 kg carrots
- 2 kg onions
- 1 l tomato paste
- 1 packet of whole peppercorns
- Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 l oil
- 1-2 cups of water (as needed)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the mushrooms:
Start by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms thinly. These will become the flavorful base of your zacusca. Sauté them in a large pan with a little oil, covered, to release their juices. After the first boil, add cold water over the mushrooms to wash them, then drain well. Add a bit more oil and continue sautéing until the mushrooms begin to brown. This step is essential for achieving a rich-flavored zacusca!

2. Preparing the bell peppers:
Meanwhile, clean the bell peppers, cut them into pieces, and pass them through a meat grinder. Sauté the bell pepper puree in oil until the excess water evaporates, a process that can take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the texture of the peppers. A good technique is to check the consistency of the mixture; it should be denser to achieve a tasty zacusca.

3. Preparing the carrots:
Clean the carrots, cut them into thin, long slices, then mash them and sauté in oil. After about 5 minutes, add a cup or two of water, depending on how dry or raw the carrots are. Continue sautéing for about an hour until the carrots become soft and fragrant.

4. Preparing the onions:
Place a large pot of water on the stove and, when the water starts to boil, add the whole onions. Boil the onions for 5-10 minutes, then remove and let them cool. Once cooled, cut them in half and pass them through the meat grinder. Add the chopped onions to the already sautéed carrots.

5. Finalizing the zacusca:
After about 15 minutes, add the sautéed mushrooms and bell pepper puree to the carrot and onion mixture. Continue cooking for 30 minutes. Towards the end, add the tomato paste, but do this gradually to control the consistency. Add whole peppercorns and salt to taste. It is important to adjust the amount of tomato paste so that the zacusca is not too liquid.

6. Preserving:
When the zacusca is ready, pour it hot into sterilized jars. Seal the jars and place them upside down for 5 minutes, then cover them with blankets to retain heat. Leave them like this until the next day. This process will ensure proper preservation of the zacusca.

Practical tips:
- Make sure to use fresh mushrooms, preferably from trusted sources. Wild mushrooms can add extra flavor.
- Bell peppers can be replaced with sweet peppers, but bell peppers provide a unique sweetness.
- For a spicy note, you can add a finely chopped hot pepper at the end of the preparation.
- Experiment with adding herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Mushroom zacusca is a healthy dish, rich in vitamins and minerals due to the vegetables used. A 100g serving of zacusca contains approximately 80-100 calories, making it an excellent choice for an appetizer or snack. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, while bell peppers and carrots contain high amounts of vitamin C, essential for a strong immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I store zacusca in the fridge?
Yes, zacusca can be stored in the fridge, but it is recommended to consume it within a few weeks if not properly sterilized.

2. How can I use zacusca in other dishes?
Zacusca is delicious as a filling for pastries, spreads, or even as a sauce for pasta.

3. Is it possible to make zacusca without oil?
While oil adds flavor, you can reduce the amount or use olive oil for a healthier option.

4. Can I freeze zacusca?
Yes, zacusca can be frozen in small portions, but make sure it is completely cooled before placing it in the freezing container.

So, I encourage you to try this mushroom zacusca recipe, enjoy its flavors, and share this delicacy with your loved ones! Cooking is an art form, and each jar of zacusca represents not just a recipe, but also a family story, full of warmth and love. Enjoy your meal!