Bean Spread
Ingredients: 3 kg onions, 3 kg bell peppers, 1 kg white beans, 1 l oil, 750 ml tomato paste, coarse salt, pepper, 2 bay leaves
Beans are a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes, and bean zacusca is a delicacy that should not be missing from anyone's pantry. We start by preparing the beans, which we soak in cold water the night before. This step is essential as it helps to rehydrate the beans and reduces cooking time. The next day, we drain the beans and boil them in salted water, letting them cook until they are soft but not overly mashed, in order to maintain their shape.
Meanwhile, we will take care of the other ingredients. We peel the onion and chop it finely, then grind it using a food processor or a grater. In a large pot, we add 1/2 liter of oil and start sautéing the onion with a little salt, stirring constantly. The goal is to obtain a soft and translucent onion without burning it, in order to preserve its sweet aroma.
The bell peppers, another essential ingredient, must be cleaned of seeds, washed, and then ground. They are sautéed separately in 1/2 liter of oil, also with a little salt, for about an hour until a thick paste forms. This process enhances the taste and final consistency of the zacusca.
Once the onion and bell peppers are ready, in a larger pot, we add both sautéed ingredients along with the boiled beans, ground pepper, and bay leaves. We let them simmer together for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. Then, we add the tomato paste, adjusting the amount according to our preferences; more paste will give a slightly sour taste.
After adding the tomato paste, we let everything simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes. It is important to stir occasionally to allow the ingredients to combine perfectly and to avoid burning. Finally, we add a tablespoon of salicylic or preservative powder, mixing well until it completely dissolves.
When the zacusca is ready, we transfer it to clean jars, sealing them well. Then, we place them in a dry steam, where they will remain until the next day to cool gradually. This bean zacusca will not only be a delicious appetizer but will also bring autumn flavors to any meal. Enjoy it on toasted bread or alongside other dishes and savor the authentic taste of Romanian culinary tradition!
