Zucchini spread

Zucchini zacusca is a traditional delicacy, perfect for turning any meal into a feast. This recipe not only combines delicious flavors but also brings together the fresh and healthy ingredients from the garden, making each jar a true joy. Here’s how you can prepare this savory zacusca, step by step.

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

Ingredients
- 5 kg bell peppers – Choose well-ripened bell peppers, preferably with intense colors, which provide a sweet and aromatic taste.
- 100 ml olive oil – A quality oil will add a note of flavor and enrich the texture of the dish.
- 500 ml sunflower oil – This type of oil has a neutral taste, perfect for not altering the natural aroma of the vegetables.
- 3 kg zucchini – Opt for young zucchinis, seedless, which are juicy and full of nutrients.
- 1 l broth – Can be homemade from fresh tomatoes or bought, but make sure it is of high quality.
- 1 kg onion – Onion adds sweetness and depth to the zacusca; for those more sensitive, you can blanch it before use.
- Salt and pepper – Add to taste, but don’t overdo it, so as not to mask the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Useful
- Sterilized jars – It is essential to use clean, sterilized jars to preserve the zacusca for a long time.
- Covered bowl – A bowl that allows the bell peppers to cool in a humid environment will help retain their juice.

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Bell Peppers
- Start by roasting the bell peppers on a tray over medium heat until their skin becomes slightly charred. This process will not only intensify their aroma but also facilitate peeling.
- After roasting, place them in a covered bowl and let them cool for 15-20 minutes. This will help in peeling the skin.

2. Peeling and Chopping
- Once cooled, peel the bell peppers, removing the stem and seeds. You can also use a knife for quicker peeling if you prefer.
- Chop the onion and zucchini using a meat grinder. Make sure the zucchinis are well cleaned of seeds.

3. Cooking the Ingredients
- In a large pot, add the olive oil and sunflower oil. Heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 10-15 minutes. If you opted to blanch it, you can skip this step.

4. Adding the Bell Peppers
- Add the chopped bell peppers to the pot and let them simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to develop.

5. Including the Zucchini and Broth
- Add the chopped zucchini and broth, mix well, and let everything simmer on low heat for another 2 hours. This is when your zacusca will start to take shape and the flavors will begin to blend.

6. Seasoning
- Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. It is important to ensure a perfect balance between the sweetness of the vegetables and the spices.

7. Preserving
- Pour the hot zacusca into sterilized jars, filling them to the brim. Seal the jars well and place them in a pot of hot water (set on a rack) to be boiled for 40 minutes.

8. Cooling
- Let the jars cool in a thick blanket, creating a vacuum. This will ensure long-term preservation.

Serving
Zucchini zacusca is best served with fresh or toasted bread, but it can also be used as a filling for various appetizers or canapés. You can add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for an extra creaminess.

Practical Tips
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as eggplant or peppers, to vary the taste.
- Recommended drinks: A delicious zacusca pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a refreshing blonde beer.
- Storage: Zacusca can be stored at room temperature in the dark for a few months, but once opened, refrigeration is recommended.

Nutritional Benefits
Zucchini zacusca is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables used. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while zucchinis provide significant amounts of water and fiber. This recipe is low in calories, making it a healthy choice for your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other oils? Yes, you can use a mix of vegetable oils, but olive oil will add a distinct flavor.
- How can I check if the zacusca is ready? Check the consistency; it should be slightly thickened, without excess liquid.
- Can the zacusca be frozen? Although it is recommended to preserve it in jars, zacusca can be frozen, but it will lose some of its texture.

I hope this recipe has inspired you to try making zucchini zacusca at home. It is a wonderful activity to do with family or friends, and the final result will bring joy not only to your plate but also to your soul!