mushroom zacusca, winter version

Mushroom Zacusca Recipe - Winter Variant

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 jars

In the cold season, nothing compares to the intense and warm flavors of mushroom zacusca. This easy-to-make winter recipe will bring a delicious dish to your table, perfect for enjoying on fresh bread or as a side dish to various meals.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg mushrooms (preferably champignon or wild mushrooms)
- 2 large carrots
- 2 large onions
- 1 red bell pepper (optional, for added sweetness)
- 400 g tomato paste
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns (optional, for a spicy flavor)
- Vinegar or lemon juice, to taste (for preservation)

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by peeling the carrots and onions. Use a mixer to chop the carrots, then add the onion and continue mixing until you achieve a fine mixture. It is important that the vegetables are chopped finer than in other dishes, as this will help the zacusca bind better.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In a large skillet, add the oil and sauté the carrot and onion mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes until they become translucent and the flavors begin to develop.

Step 3: Add the mushrooms
Clean the mushrooms and cut them into slices or cubes, according to preference. Add them to the skillet over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 20-30 minutes until the mushrooms reduce in volume and release their juices.

Step 4: Integrating the tomatoes
After the mushrooms are cooked, add the tomato paste and mix well. Continue to cook over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This cooking time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Step 5: Season
Add the bay leaves, salt, pepper, and, if desired, the peppercorns. Check the taste and adjust with vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.

Step 6: Bottling
Once the zacusca has reached the desired consistency, pour it hot into sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature.

Serving suggestions:
Mushroom zacusca is delicious served on a slice of fresh bread, alongside cheese, or as a side dish to meat dishes. You can also add some olives for a Mediterranean flavor.

Possible variations:
For a spicier zacusca, you can add finely chopped hot pepper or spices like sweet paprika. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, to add another flavor to the dish.

This mushroom zacusca recipe is not just a nourishing dish, but also an excellent way to preserve the flavors of autumn for the cold months. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the taste of a traditional dish, full of warmth and good taste.