Mushroom Spread

 Ingredients: half kg of champignon mushrooms, 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, sunflower oil, salt, 150 g of pepper paste, 4 eggplants, half kg of tomatoes, 150 ml of tomato juice, a bit of hot pepper, 3-4 onions, 2 large carrots

Vegetable zacusca is a traditional Romanian dish, full of flavor and aromas, perfect for enjoying on fresh bread or as a side dish to various meals. To obtain a delicious zacusca, carefully follow the steps below.

Start by peeling and slicing the onion thinly. This will form the aromatic base of our dish. Heat a large pan or deep pot over medium heat and add a little oil to sauté the onion. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking. When the onion becomes transparent, add the grated or diced carrot, allowing it to sauté together with the onion. The carrot will add sweetness and a pleasant texture to the zacusca.

Once the carrot has softened, it's time to add the mushrooms, which will provide a rich umami flavor. Mix well and let them sauté for a few minutes. Then, introduce the peeled and diced eggplants. These will bring a creamy consistency and a subtle taste. Continue to stir to ensure even cooking.

The next step is to add the pepper paste, which will enhance the flavor of the zacusca, followed by the diced fresh tomatoes and tomato juice. Each ingredient should be sautéed well so that the flavors combine harmoniously. After adding all the ingredients, reduce the heat to low and let the zacusca simmer gently. It is essential to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Season with salt to taste, and if you like it spicy, add finely chopped hot pepper. Finally, when the zacusca has reduced and the oil has risen to the surface, add the olive oil, which will give a refined taste to the dish. Now the zacusca is almost ready.

For preservation, pour the hot zacusca into sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are filled to the brim to prevent oxidation. After sealing the lids tightly, cover the jars with a large towel to cool gradually. This step is essential to ensure a good seal.

If you have some olives on hand, feel free to add them to your zacusca. They will enrich the flavor and add a Mediterranean touch. Once the zacusca has completely cooled, you can store it in the pantry, where you can use it throughout the winter. Serve the zacusca on fresh bread, alongside cheese or just with a slice of onion. Enjoy your meal!

 Tags:  onion carrots tomatoes pepper oil mushrooms olives eggplant gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes