Traditional Romanian Zacuscă Recipe: A Delicious Vegetable Spread for Any Season

Ingredients

10 red bell peppers
10 eggplants
5 carrots
6 onions
1 litre of tomato juice
300 ml sunflower oil
2 tablespoons of salt
1 tablespoon of crushed peppercorns
2 bay leaves

Steps and instructions

Wash all the vegetables thoroughly.
Roast the eggplants and red bell peppers until their skin is charred. You can do this on a grill, in a hot oven, or directly on the burner if you have a gas stove.
Once roasted, place the eggplants and red bell peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a lid. Let them cool for about 15 minutes, then peel off the skin. Chop the peeled vegetables into small pieces.
Peel and grate the carrots and onions. Heat half of the sunflower oil in a large pot and sauté the grated vegetables until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
Add the chopped eggplants and red bell peppers into the pot. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
Pour in the tomato juice, add salt, crushed peppercorns and bay leaves. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pot. Make sure the mixture is thick enough to spread on bread.
In the meantime, sterilize your jars by washing them in hot water and then placing them in a preheated oven at 120°C (250°F) for 15 minutes.
Once the Zacuscă is ready, remove the bay leaves and pour the mixture into the sterilized jars while it's still hot. Screw on the lids tightly.
Turn the jars upside down and wrap them in a blanket until they cool down entirely. This will create a vacuum seal and preserve the Zacuscă.
Store the jars in a cool, dark place. Let them sit for at least 2 weeks before opening to allow the flavors to blend together.

Tools for making

Grill or Oven - Used to roast the eggplants and red bell peppers to char the skin.
Large Pot - Used to cook and simmer the Zacuscă mixture.
Grater - Used to grate the carrots and onions.
Plastic Wrap or Lid - Used to cover the roasted eggplants and red bell peppers to allow them to cool and make peeling easier.
Stirring Spoon - Used to stir the ingredients while cooking.
Jars with Lids - Used to store the Zacuscă once it is ready.
Blanket - Used to wrap the jars and create a vacuum seal as the Zacuscă cools down.
Oven (for Sterilization) - Used to sterilize the jars before filling them with Zacuscă.
Hot Water - Used to wash the jars before sterilization.

Recipe variations

Add smoked paprika or chili flakes to give the Zacuscă a spicy kick.
Include roasted garlic cloves for an extra depth of flavor.
Replace some or all of the red bell peppers with roasted yellow or orange bell peppers for a different color and taste.
Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to add a touch of sweetness.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, or cumin to customize the flavor profile.
Add roasted mushrooms or zucchini for additional texture and taste.
For a smoky flavor, grill the eggplants and red bell peppers over charcoal instead of roasting them.
Include chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Try using a combination of different types of tomatoes for the tomato juice, such as cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes, to vary the taste.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, chop the vegetables into larger pieces instead of finely dicing them.

Recipe overview

Zacuscă is a traditional Romanian spread made from roasted eggplants and red bell peppers, combined with carrots and onions then slowly cooked to perfection. This mouth-watering recipe requires some patience and time, but the result is a deliciously rich, hearty spread that you can enjoy with bread, crackers, or as a condiment. Its deep flavor profile blends the smoky taste of roasted vegetables, the tartness of tomato juice, and a wonderful mix of spices, creating an irresistible treat for your tastebuds. This recipe will guide you through the process of making Zacuscă from scratch, including the all-important step of preserving it in jars. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the tradition of Romanian cuisine and prepare a delectable homemade spread that will take your meals to another level!

Common questions

Can I use different colored bell peppers? Yes, you can use different colored bell peppers, such as yellow or orange, in addition to the red ones. It will add more visual appeal to the Zacuscă.
Is it necessary to roast the eggplants and red bell peppers? Roasting the eggplants and red bell peppers helps to enhance their flavor and remove the skin easily. It is recommended but not mandatory. If you prefer, you can skip the roasting step and use the vegetables as they are.
Can I use canned tomato juice instead of fresh tomato juice? Yes, you can use canned tomato juice as a substitute for fresh tomato juice. Just make sure it is unsalted and does not contain any additional flavors or seasonings.
How long does Zacuscă need to simmer? Zacuscă needs to simmer on low heat for approximately 2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend together and the mixture to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Do I need to sterilize the jars? Yes, it is important to sterilize the jars before filling them with Zacuscă. This helps to kill any bacteria and ensure the preservation of the spread. You can sterilize the jars by washing them in hot water and then placing them in a preheated oven at 120°C (250°F) for 15 minutes.
How long should I wait before opening the jars? It is recommended to let the jars of Zacuscă sit for at least 2 weeks before opening them. This allows the flavors to meld together and the spread to develop its full taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

Knife - for chopping and peeling the vegetables
Cutting board - to provide a stable surface for cutting the vegetables
Grater - for grating the carrots and onions
Large pot - for cooking the Zacuscă mixture
Wooden spoon - for stirring the mixture while it simmers
Jars - for storing the Zacuscă
Plastic wrap or lids - to cover the roasted vegetables while they cool
Blanket - to wrap the jars and facilitate the cooling process

Origin stories

Zacuscă is a staple in Romanian households, a beloved fall tradition that fills the kitchens with an unforgettable aroma. The recipe often varies from region to region and even family to family, making it not just a dish, but a culinary inheritance passed down through generations. In fact, preparing Zacuscă is considered a social activity. Families and friends gather for a so-called "Zacuscă day" to prepare the conserve in large quantities, engaging in laughter, stories, and the shared labor of the kitchen. The process of cooking and jarring Zacuscă is a testament to the Romanian spirit of community, warmth, and love for good food. In a sense, every jar of Zacuscă contains not just a delicious spread, but also a piece of Romanian culture and history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.