Zacusca

Zacusca is a traditional Romanian dish, full of flavors and taste, perfect to be enjoyed on toasted bread or as a side dish. Preparing this delicacy requires patience and attention, but the final result is well worth the effort.

To begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand: eggplants, peppers, bell peppers, onion, oil, tomato paste, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. The first step is to roast the eggplants, peppers, and bell peppers. This process can be done either on the grill or in the oven until the vegetables become soft and the skin blackens. Once the vegetables are roasted, peel them and let them drain in a sieve to remove excess water. Then, pass each vegetable through a meat grinder, making sure to process them one at a time to achieve a uniform texture.

In a deep pot or cauldron, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, finely chopped or grated, and sauté it until it turns golden, being careful to stir occasionally to prevent burning. The aroma of the sautéed onion will add extra flavor to your zacusca. Once the onion is ready, add the chopped peppers and bell peppers, continuing to sauté them together with the onion. This step will take about 15 minutes, during which you should stir every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Once the peppers and bell peppers are soft, add the previously prepared eggplants, tomato paste, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well and let the composition simmer on low heat. It is important to constantly supervise the zacusca, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Zacusca is considered ready when the oil rises to the surface, a sign that the ingredients have combined perfectly and the flavors have intensified. In the end, you can adjust the taste by adding more salt or pepper, according to your preferences.

After the zacusca has been prepared, transfer it to sterilized jars for preservation. This is a dish that enjoys popularity throughout the year, especially in the cold season. Enjoy this Romanian delicacy with your loved ones, bringing a touch of tradition and warmth to every meal!