Zucchini spread

Zucchini zacusca - a fragrant and healthy delight, perfect for adding a touch of flavor to your meals. This simple and quick recipe will transform your zucchinis into a delicacy that you can enjoy on fresh bread or as a side dish to various main courses. Start your cooking adventure with this zucchini zacusca and enjoy its unmistakable aroma!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8 jars

Ingredients:
- 3 large zucchinis (approximately 1 kg)
- 4 large bell peppers
- 5 large onions
- 2 large carrots
- 5 large tomatoes
- 400 ml oil
- salt, pepper, bay leaves

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the zucchinis, then cut them into cubes. They will be boiled to soften. Peel and julienne the onions, grate the carrots, and remove the seeds from the peppers, then chop them in a food processor. These preparations will ensure a well-mixed and aromatic zacusca.

2. Boiling the zucchinis: Place the chopped zucchinis in salted water and boil them until soft - about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to drain them well, then turn them into a puree using a blender or potato masher. This is key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture.

3. Preparing the sauce: Blanch the tomatoes to make them easier to peel, then turn them into a thick sauce in the food processor. This sauce will add a rich flavor to your zacusca.

4. Let's start cooking: In a large pan, heat the oil and add the onions. Sauté until translucent, then add the grated carrots. Let the mixture cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the carrots soften.

5. Adding the peppers: Once the carrots have softened, add the chopped peppers and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently. It is important to let the vegetables caramelize a bit to intensify the flavors.

6. The final combination: At this point, add the zucchini puree, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Mix well and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the oil starts to rise to the surface - a sign that the zacusca is ready.

7. Finishing the zacusca: If you prefer a finer zacusca, you can blend it with a blender. This will add a more uniform texture.

8. Preserving: Prepare the jars by washing them and placing them in a tray, then bake them at 120°C for 30 minutes to sterilize. Fill the jars with warm zacusca, leaving a little space at the top. Put the jars back in the oven for another 30 minutes on low heat.

9. Final details: After removing the jars from the oven, add a tablespoon of warm oil on top of each jar, then screw on the lids. This step not only preserves freshness but also adds an extra flavor.

10. Serving: Zucchini zacusca is ideally served with fresh homemade bread or as a delicious spread on crackers. You can also add some fresh herbs on top for a more appetizing look.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as eggplants or pumpkin, to add a personal touch to your recipe.
- If you like a spicier taste, add a hot pepper to the vegetable mixture.
- Zacusca can be stored at room temperature, but it is recommended to keep it in the fridge after opening the jar.

Enjoy the flavor of this zucchini zacusca, a simple and healthy recipe, perfect for any occasion!