Bean spread

Bean zacusca, a savory and comforting delight, is among the most beloved dishes in our cuisine. This recipe will not only enrich your meal but also bring a touch of culinary tradition, full of color and flavors. A perfect zacusca can be enjoyed on a slice of fresh bread, alongside a refreshing drink or a fragrant white wine. Let's discover together how we can prepare a delicious bean zacusca, step by step!

Preparation time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Soaking time: 12 hours (preferably overnight)
- Cooking time: 2 hours
- Total time: 14 hours and 30 minutes (including soaking time)
- Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

- 1 kg white beans
- 500 g carrots
- 1 kg red bell peppers
- 500 g red onion
- 500 g white onion
- 500 ml oil
- 1/2 jar of 720 ml concentrated tomato paste
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1-2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for taste)
- Vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- Whole pepper
- Coriander
- Salt
- A few allspice berries
- Cumin
- Bay leaves
- Celery leaves (optional)

Short history

Zacusca, a traditional dish, proves to be a recipe that has traversed generations, passed down from mother to daughter. This vegetable and protein-rich preserve is often prepared in the autumn season when vegetables are fresh and full of flavor. Made with love, zacusca brings together the aromatic tastes of roasted vegetables, especially the peppers, with the sweetness of the beans, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparing the bean zacusca

Step 1: Preparing the beans

Start by washing the white beans well, selecting out any damaged or broken beans. Then, soak the beans in cold water for about 12 hours. This is an essential step, as soaking helps reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. If you want to reduce the soaking time, you can use a quick method, which is boiling the beans for 5 minutes, then letting them sit in covered water for 1 hour.

Step 2: Boiling the beans

The next day, drain the beans and place them in a large pot with hot water. Add a carrot, a potato, a parsnip, garlic, and a whole onion to give a rich flavor. Simmer on low heat for about an hour, then discard the first water. This helps remove substances that can cause gastric discomfort. Add another pot of hot water and skim the beans as needed to remove impurities.

Step 3: Roasting the peppers

Meanwhile, roast the bell peppers on a tray in the oven or on a stovetop until the skin is charred and bubbling. Sprinkle a little salt, cover them with a damp towel, and let them cool. This technique will make it easier to remove the skins. Once cooled, peel off the skin and seeds. Chop them with a meat grinder, keeping the juice.

Step 4: Grinding the vegetables

Chop the onion finely, and grate the carrot or chop it in the meat grinder. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to your zacusca.

Step 5: Preparing the base for zacusca

In a large frying pan, heat the oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 30-40 minutes until it becomes golden and caramelized. This is key to achieving a zacusca rich in flavors. Then, add the carrot and continue to sauté for another 30 minutes. Add the chopped pepper along with the juice and let it cook.

Step 6: Finalizing the dish

After the beans are boiled, drain them and remove the vegetables used for flavor. Mash the beans either with a mixer or a meat grinder, leaving them more or less whole, depending on your preference. Add the beans to the pan, mix well, and season with salt, pepper, vegeta, baking soda, sugar, and broth (or fresh tomatoes). These ingredients will enhance the taste of the zacusca.

Step 7: Baking

Once all the ingredients are well mixed, transfer the zacusca to a baking dish and put it in the oven for about 30 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. This step will intensify the flavors and help achieve a perfect texture.

Step 8: Bottling

After the zacusca is ready, fill sterilized jars with hot zacusca, seal them tightly, and let them cool. It is recommended to store them in dark and cool places, and once opened, the zacusca can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days.

My personal tip

For an even more intense flavor, you can add some herbs, such as oregano or basil, during cooking. Additionally, balsamic vinegar can add a pleasant acidity.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of beans?
Certainly! You can experiment with red or black beans, but make sure to soak and boil them according to instructions.

2. How can I make the zacusca spicier?
Add chopped hot peppers or chili powder during preparation for an extra kick of flavor.

3. What can I do with leftover boiled vegetables?
You can use the vegetables to make a delicious soup or add them to other dishes.

Savory combinations

Bean zacusca pairs perfectly with:

- Toasted bread with butter
- A glass of white or rosé wine
- Summer salad with tomatoes and cucumbers
- A serving of feta cheese

Nutritional benefits

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron. This zacusca is not only tasty but also healthy, making it a perfect option for those looking to improve their diet.

Conclusion

Bean zacusca is a versatile and flavorful dish that will delight the taste buds of family and friends. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or as a main course, this simple and quick recipe will bring a touch of joy to every meal. Try this recipe and discover how easy it is to transform simple ingredients into something truly special!

 Ingredients: A wonderful eggplant spread, even better than the classic version, try it and you won't regret it. Serve it cold from the cellar or refrigerator. 1 kg white beans, 500 g carrots, 1 kg red bell peppers, 1/2 kg red onions, 1/2 kg white onions, 500 ml oil, 1/2 jar of 720 g concentrated tomato paste (Sultan), 2 cloves of garlic, 1-2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp sugar for taste and boiling, vegetables, whole pepper, coriander, a few allspice berries, thyme, bay leaves, celery leaves optional.