Pepper spread

Pepper zacusca is a savory dish, full of color and flavor, that reminds us of culinary traditions and family meals. It is a recipe that can be enjoyed both warm and cold, and is perfect for canning and storing for winter. Moreover, it is an excellent way to make the most of peppers, and the combination of vegetables adds extra nutrients and taste.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 jars

Ingredients:
- 1 kg peppers (preferably bell peppers for a sweeter taste)
- 500 g onion
- 500 g carrot
- 200 g tomato paste (or crushed tomatoes, according to preference)
- 150 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and hot paprika (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by roasting the peppers. You can place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil in a preheated oven at 220°C, or you can grill them. Roasting the peppers will make them much easier to peel, and the aroma will be intensified. Roast them until the skin turns black and starts to peel, then let them cool wrapped in a damp towel for 15-20 minutes.

2. Peeling the peppers: Once cooled, peel off the skin and seeds, then cut them into small pieces. If you prefer a finer texture, you can blend them, but I recommend leaving them in pieces for a rustic and pleasant look.

3. Preparing the vegetables: In a large skillet, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. This will take about 5 minutes. Add the diced carrot and continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes, until it softens.

4. Adding the peppers: After the onion and carrot have softened, add the pepper pieces. Season with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and if you like a spicier taste, add a pinch of hot paprika. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

5. Baking: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and add the tomato paste. Mix well, then cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-45 minutes at 180°C. This step is crucial to allow the flavors to blend and for the zacusca to reduce properly.

6. Checking the consistency: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and check the consistency. If you want a thicker zacusca, leave it in the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Packing: Once the zacusca has reached the desired consistency, let it cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are well sealed. You can turn them upside down to create a vacuum, which will help preserve them long-term.

8. Serving: Pepper zacusca is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it on slices of toasted bread, alongside cheese, or as a side dish to various main courses. It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Useful tips:
- If you want to save time, you can use a food processor to chop the onion and carrot. However, make sure not to over-process them to maintain a pleasant texture.
- Instead of tomato paste, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you will need to peel and blend them before adding.
- The zacusca will improve in flavor if you let it sit for a few days before consuming, so don’t rush to eat it immediately.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Pepper zacusca is a healthy option, rich in vitamins and antioxidants due to the vegetables used. A serving (approximately 100 g) contains about 120 calories, making it an excellent choice for snacks or to complement main meals. Peppers are a good source of vitamin C, while carrots provide beta-carotene.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can pepper zacusca be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the zacusca in smaller portions, but make sure to keep it in an airtight container.
- What other vegetables can I add to the zacusca? You can experiment with eggplant or zucchini, but adjust the amount of oil and spices according to your taste.

Possible variations:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add chopped garlic or herbs like basil or dill.
- You can make the zacusca spicier by adding fresh hot peppers or chili flakes to the mix.

Pepper zacusca is more than just a recipe; it is a tradition, a way to bring family and friends together around the table, savoring authentic flavors filled with love. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its aromas!