Roasted Zucchini Spread

Roasted Zucchini Zacusca - a flavorful delicacy, perfect for savoring on toasted bread or as a side dish for various meals. This simple zacusca recipe will transform seasonal vegetables into a delicious and healthy appetizer. Moreover, the roasted zucchini adds a unique touch and a creamy texture to the dish.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 3 bell peppers (preferably red)
- 2 large onions
- 400 g tomato puree (or 1 cup of fresh crushed tomatoes)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 bay leaves (optional)
- 1-2 garlic cloves (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparing the roasted zucchini zacusca is a pleasant process, and the steps are simple. Here’s how to achieve a perfect result:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by roasting the zucchinis and peppers. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Cut the zucchinis in half and remove the seeds. The bell peppers should remain whole. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzling with a little olive oil. Roast for 30-40 minutes until the peppers are slightly browned and the zucchinis are soft. After roasting, let them cool, then peel the skin off the peppers.

2. The onion: In a large skillet, add 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This will add a delicious aroma to the zacusca.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Once the zucchinis and peppers have cooled, chop them finely or blend them with a blender, depending on your preference. Add this mixture to the skillet with the onion, mixing well.

4. Complement with tomato puree: Add the tomato puree or crushed tomatoes to the skillet, along with salt, pepper, and bay leaves if using. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.

5. Finishing: After the zacusca has cooked, you can add crushed garlic if you desire a stronger flavor. Check the taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to homogenize the zacusca.

6. Preservation: Once the zacusca is ready, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to sterilized jars and seal them tightly. The zacusca can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks or preserved by boiling.

Serving suggestion: Roasted zucchini zacusca is delicious served on toasted bread, but you can also try using it as a filling for pancakes or tartines. A side of feta cheese or a few black olives can add an extra flavor boost.

Possible variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as eggplants or carrots, to create a customized zacusca. Additionally, adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano can provide an even more interesting taste.

This roasted zucchini zacusca recipe is not only tasty but also an excellent way to make the most of seasonal vegetables. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the authentic flavors of dishes made with love!