My zacusca with little mushrooms or dew mushrooms

Mushroom Zacusca - A Fall Delicacy

I propose a recipe for zacusca with dew mushrooms, a true culinary treasure that transforms simple ingredients into a savory dish. In a world where taste is as important as appearance, this zacusca brings a festive air, perfect to be enjoyed on a slice of fresh bread or as a side dish next to a roast. Preparing this zacusca is a pleasant activity, ideal for cool autumn evenings when the rain invites us to gather around the table.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Number of Servings: Approximately 6 jars of 400 g

Ingredients

- 2 kg of dew mushrooms (or any type of preferred mushrooms)
- 750 g of onion
- 500 ml of tomato puree
- 250 ml of quality white wine
- 750 ml of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3-4 bay leaves
- Curry (optional, for a touch of exoticism)

Preparing the Mushroom Zacusca

1. Cleaning and Preparing the Mushrooms
Start by cleaning the dew mushrooms. It is important to wash them well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities or dirt. Once cleaned, cut them into smaller pieces, but not too finely, to preserve the texture. If the mushrooms are fragile, you can skip cutting them and leave them whole.

2. Blanching the Mushrooms
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Turn off the heat and add the chopped mushrooms. Let them boil for 10 minutes, then drain. This step helps to remove some water, preparing them for frying.

3. Preparing the Onion
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 10-12 minutes. The aroma of the sautéed onion will add a special flavor to your zacusca.

4. Adding the Mushrooms
Once the onion is ready, add the blanched mushrooms, white wine, and tomato puree. Mix well and season with salt, pepper, and bay leaves. If you want to add curry for an exotic note, now is the ideal time.

5. Cooking the Zacusca
Let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the oil rises to the surface. This process can take about 1 hour. Don't rush, the flavors will concentrate and the taste will become more intense.

6. Jar Filling
Once the zacusca has reached the desired consistency, take it off the heat and fill the sterilized jars with the hot mixture. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of the jar for expansion. Seal the jars with lids and prepare for sterilization.

7. Sterilization
Place the jars in a large pot, adding water halfway up the jars. Steam them for 30 minutes. The next day, repeat the process to ensure the zacusca is well preserved.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients: Use fresh, quality mushrooms. Dew mushrooms have a delicate taste, but you can experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as champignon or shiitake.
- Wine: Choose a white wine with a pleasant aroma, as it will influence the final taste of the zacusca.
- Storage: Zacusca keeps perfectly in a cool, dark place, and once opened, it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 weeks.

Nutritional Benefits

Mushroom zacusca is not only delicious but also healthy. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while onions provide a significant amount of fiber and B vitamins. This zacusca can be an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians, offering an intense taste and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen mushrooms?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the recipe.

2. How can I customize the zacusca?
You can add roasted peppers or olives for a different taste. Also, changing the type of oil can influence the final aroma.

3. Can the zacusca be frozen?
Yes, the zacusca can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to preserve the optimal taste and texture.

Serving and Combinations

This dish is perfect served on a slice of freshly baked bread, alongside a good cheese or as a side dish next to a juicy roast. I suggest pairing it with a glass of white wine or a craft beer, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the zacusca.

Personal Detail

I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who told me how making zacusca was an autumn ritual. Each jar full of zacusca was a promise of the coming winter, a taste of love and patience.

I encourage you to try this recipe for zacusca with dew mushrooms and share your own story around this tradition. Cooking is not just about food, but also about memories, emotions, and connections that unite us. Indulge your senses and turn every meal into a celebration of taste!