Zacuscă (Romanian Vegetable Spread)

Discover the rich and smoky flavors of Romanian cuisine with Zacuscă, a traditional vegetable spread made from roasted eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes. Perfect as a starter, appetizer, or accompaniment to bread, Zacuscă brings warmth and depth to any meal, capturing the essence of home-cooked comfort.

Ingredients

• 3 large eggplants
• 5 red bell peppers
• 4 medium onions, finely chopped
• 5 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup sunflower oil
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the eggplants and red peppers until their skins are charred and the flesh is soft, about 30–40 minutes. Allow them to cool, then peel and remove seeds. Chop the vegetables into small pieces or mash them for a smoother texture.

2. Cook the Spread

   In a large pot, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Combine Ingredients

   Add the roasted eggplants, peppers, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine. Simmer over low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Cool and Store

   Remove the bay leaf and allow the Zacuscă to cool. Transfer to sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or process in a water bath for long-term storage.

5. Serve

   Serve Zacuscă spread generously on fresh bread, crackers, or as a side for grilled meats. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness.

Enjoy the smoky, savory, and slightly sweet taste of Zacuscă, a staple of Romanian kitchens that brings warmth, tradition, and flavor to your table.