Bean spread

Bean Zacusca: An Autumn Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Total time: 3-3.5 hours
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400g

Zacusca is a traditional dish, a true treasure of gastronomy, bringing with it the rich flavors of roasted vegetables and spices. Throughout history, zacusca has been prepared in various versions, but today we focus on a delicious recipe with beans. This zacusca is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, being an excellent source of plant-based protein due to the beans. Get ready to delight your taste buds with a savory zacusca, perfect for winter!

Ingredients needed

- 3 kg bell peppers
- 2 kg onions
- 800 g beans (you can also use white beans)
- 3 carrots
- 1/2 l oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 1 l tomato juice (fresh tomato juice is best, but you can also use store-bought)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes)

Preparing the ingredients

1. Cleaning and washing the vegetables: Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Wash the bell peppers, onions, carrots, and beans. Make sure the beans are well cleaned, free of impurities.

2. Boiling the beans: If using dried beans, soak them in cold water overnight. The next day, boil the beans in salted water until soft, about 1-2 hours, depending on the type of beans. If using canned beans, you can skip this step.

3. Boiling the carrots: Peel the carrots and boil them in salted water until soft. They will add a sweet flavor to your zacusca.

Preparing the zacusca

4. Chopping the vegetables: Use a food processor to chop the bell peppers and onions. This step will add a fine and homogeneous texture to the dish.

5. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large heated pan, add the oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, until they become translucent. This step is essential to release the deep flavor of the vegetables.

6. Combining the ingredients: In a large pot, add the sautéed vegetables, the boiled (chopped) carrots, and the beans (hot and drained). All these vegetables will be the base of your zacusca.

7. Adding the tomato juice: Pour the tomato juice over the vegetable mixture. Then, add salt, pepper, and the teaspoon of sugar. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Final cooking

8. Boiling the zacusca: Place the pot on low heat and let the zacusca simmer slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you don’t want to stand by the stove, you can move the pot to the oven at a temperature of 130-150°C. This method allows for even cooking without effort.

9. Monitoring during cooking: Every 30 minutes, take the pot out of the oven and stir well. Add a bay leaf for a wonderful flavor. Don’t forget to remove it before putting the zacusca into jars.

Bottling

10. Preparing the jars: Ensure the jars are clean and sterilized. You can do this by boiling them or running them through a dishwasher cycle.

11. Filling the jars: Once the zacusca is ready, pour it into jars, leaving a little space at the top. Sprinkle a pinch of salicylic acid on top to preserve the zacusca.

12. Sealing the jars: Cap the jars and wrap them in blankets to cool slowly, a process that will help maintain flavors and ensure good preservation.

Serving and suggestions

Bean zacusca is delicious served with fresh bread, cheese, or olives. It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or to accompany grilled dishes. It is perfect for a winter meal or a quick snack.

Tips and useful advice

- Variation with other vegetables: You can also add other vegetables such as eggplants or zucchini to vary the taste.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned beans? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before use.
- How do I store zacusca? In the fridge, in sealed jars, it can be kept for several months.
- Can it be frozen? It is recommended not to freeze zacusca as the texture may change.

Nutritional benefits

Zacusca is rich in vitamins and minerals, being an excellent source of fiber and protein due to the beans. Bell peppers and carrots provide a considerable amount of vitamin C, while sunflower oil supplies essential fatty acids for health.

In conclusion

This bean zacusca recipe is not only a wonderful way to preserve seasonal vegetables but also a delicacy that brings warmth and comfort to winter tables. With a little patience and love, you will achieve a flavorful zacusca that will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!