Eggplant spread like mom's

Zacusca like mom's - a traditional delight, full of flavor and nostalgia, that will remind you of the warm and loving meals from your childhood. This zacusca recipe is a true festival of vegetables, offering a rich taste and a smooth texture, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a slice of fresh bread. Over time, zacusca has become a cherished specialty in many homes, prepared with love and patience. Let's discover together how you can create this delicacy at home, step by step!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: approximately 10 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 5 kg well-ripened black eggplants
- 3 kg red bell peppers
- 1 kg onion
- 1 liter oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 jar of concentrated tomato paste (800 g)
- A few bay leaves
- A few peppercorns
- Salt, to taste

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by roasting the eggplants and bell peppers. You can do this on a grill or in the oven until the skin turns black and the flesh becomes soft. Once roasted, place the bell peppers in a bowl and sprinkle salt over them. Cover with a towel to facilitate the later peeling of the skin. Let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Cleaning the vegetables
Once cooled, peel the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Peel the eggplants and place them in a colander to drain excess water. The onion, peeled and chopped, will be finely minced or ground.

Step 3: Preparing the zacusca
In a large pot, make sure it is well cleaned, dry, and placed on a wooden board, not directly on the flame. Heat a little oil and add the onion, sautéing until it becomes transparent. Then, add the rest of the oil, the minced eggplants, and the bell peppers, along with the bay leaves and peppercorns. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for about an hour, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Adding the tomato paste
After the mixture has simmered for an hour, add the tomato paste. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a whole jar or even more. Let the zacusca simmer for another 10-15 minutes, then add salt to taste.

Step 5: Baking in the oven
Transfer the pot to the oven, where it will continue to reduce and develop a delicious crust on top. Preheat the oven to 160°C and let the zacusca bake for 30-40 minutes.

Step 6: Preparing the jars
While the zacusca is in the oven, prepare the jars and lids. Wash them well with detergent, rinse with boiling water, and drain on a dry towel. Once the zacusca is ready, take the jars out of the oven to let the remaining water evaporate.

Step 7: Packing the zacusca
Fill each jar with zacusca, leaving a few centimeters of space at the top. Put the lid on tightly, and if you choose to use cellophane, lightly wet it and apply it to the mouth of the jar, ensuring it is tight.

Step 8: Preserving
To preserve the zacusca, you can choose to boil it in a water bath. Place newspapers or cloths on the bottom of a large pot, add water, and boil the jars on low heat, covered with a kitchen towel, ensuring that the water does not touch the cellophane or lid. Alternatively, you can place the filled jars in the oven for a few minutes to develop a crust.

Step 9: Cooling and storing
After the jars have been boiled, place them in a blanket until the next day when they cool completely. Then, store them in a pantry to enjoy the taste of zacusca throughout the winter.

Useful tips:
- Choose fresh and ripe vegetables for a more intense flavor.
- Experiment with spices! You can add hot peppers for a spicy taste or olives for a Mediterranean aroma.
- If you prefer a smoother zacusca, you can puree the mixture with an immersion blender after it has cooled.

Nutritional benefits:
Zacusca is an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants due to the fresh vegetables. Eggplants are rich in fiber and vitamins, while bell peppers contain a lot of vitamin C, beneficial for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables in the recipe?
Of course! You can experiment with carrots, zucchini, or even olives to create a unique zacusca.
2. How can I keep the zacusca longer?
Zacusca can be kept in the fridge in sealed and sterilized jars, but it is recommended to consume it within a year to retain its fresh flavor.
3. Can I freeze the zacusca?
Yes, zacusca can be frozen. Make sure to place it in airtight containers to prevent moisture from freezing.

Serving recipe:
Zacusca is delicious on a slice of toasted bread, alongside cottage cheese or olives. It can also be served as an appetizer at festive meals, paired with a white wine or a craft beer.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy every step of the process and the aromas that will fill your home with warmth and nostalgia. Your zacusca will surely become a family tradition!

 Ingredients: 5 kg of ripe black eggplants - 3 kg of red bell peppers - 1 kg of onions - 1 liter of oil - 1 jar of concentrated tomato paste (800g) - A few bay leaves - A few peppercorns - Salt