Discover the authentic taste of Romanian cuisine with this Zacuscă recipe! This savory vegetable spread is crafted from roasted peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes, offering a rich and flavorful addition to your meals. Perfect for spreading on bread or as a dip, Zacuscă brings a delightful blend of roasted vegetables that will enhance any dish. Follow our easy steps to make this traditional spread at home and enjoy a taste of Romania.

Ingredients:

- 4 large red bell peppers

- 2 medium eggplants

- 6 ripe tomatoes

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional, for added tang)

Instructions:

Roast the Vegetables:

  - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  - Place the red bell peppers and eggplants on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and the vegetables are tender.

  - While roasting, also roast the tomatoes for 20-25 minutes until the skins start to split.

Peel and Prepare:

  - Once roasted, place the peppers and eggplants in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10 minutes to make peeling easier.

  - Peel the skins off the peppers and eggplants. Remove seeds and stems.

  - Peel the roasted tomatoes and remove the seeds.

Blend the Vegetables:

  - In a food processor or blender, combine the peeled peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes. Blend until smooth.

Cook the Spread:

  - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.

  - Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.

  - Add the blended vegetables to the skillet. Stir in dried thyme and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  - Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Final Touches:

  - If desired, add vinegar for a bit of extra tanginess.

  - Allow the Zacuscă to cool before transferring it to clean jars.

Serve and Store:

  - Serve Zacuscă as a spread on crusty bread or as a dip. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or process in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.

Enjoy your homemade Zacuscă!

Nutritional Values

Red Bell Peppers (4 large)

  - Calories: Approximately 160

  - Carbohydrates: 40 g

  - Protein: 4 g

  - Fat: 0.8 g

Benefits:

  - Rich in vitamins A and C.

  - Provides antioxidants and supports immune function.

Eggplants (2 medium)

  - Calories: Approximately 80

  - Carbohydrates: 20 g

  - Protein: 2 g

  - Fat: 0.5 g

Benefits:

  - Contains fiber, vitamins B1 and B6, and antioxidants.

  - Supports heart health and digestion.

Ripe Tomatoes (6)

  - Calories: Approximately 120

  - Carbohydrates: 30 g

  - Protein: 6 g

  - Fat: 0.6 g

Benefits:

  - High in vitamins C and K.

  - Provides antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health.

Large Onion (1, finely chopped)

  - Calories: Approximately 60

  - Carbohydrates: 14 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0.2 g

Benefits:

  - Provides vitamins C and B6.

  - Contains antioxidants and supports immune health.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced)

  - Calories: Approximately 20

  - Carbohydrates: 5 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0.1 g

Benefits:

  - Rich in vitamins C and B6.

  - Contains allicin, which may help with cardiovascular health and immune function.

Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: Approximately 480

  - Fat: 56 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Adds richness and helps with cooking.

  - Provides essential fatty acids; choose heart-healthy oils like olive oil for better health benefits.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: Approximately 30

  - Carbohydrates: 7 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Concentrated source of vitamins and antioxidants.

  - Enhances flavor and adds depth to dishes.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 3

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0.1 g

  - Fat: 0.1 g

Benefits:

  - Provides antioxidants and supports digestion.

  - Adds flavor and aroma.

Dried Basil (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 2

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5 g

  - Protein: 0.1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Contains essential oils with antibacterial properties.

  - Adds flavor and aids in digestion.

Salt (to taste)

  - Sodium: Depends on the amount used.

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor.

  - Use in moderation due to high sodium content.

Pepper (to taste)

  - Calories: Approximately 6 (for 1 teaspoon)

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5 g

  - Protein: 0.2 g

  - Fat: 0.1 g

Benefits:

  - Contains antioxidants and vitamins.

  - Adds flavor and may aid digestion.

Vinegar (1 tablespoon, optional)

  - Calories: Approximately 3

  - Carbohydrates: 0.1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Adds tanginess to dishes.

  - May aid in digestion and blood sugar control.