Zacuscă de Vinete (Roasted Eggplant Spread)
A rich and flavorful roasted eggplant and vegetable spread, often enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish, especially during autumn and winter.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Eggplants(medium-sized, about 1kg each)
- 1 kg Onions(yellow onions, finely chopped)
- 500 g Red bell peppers(deseeded and finely chopped)
- 500 g Tomatoes(ripe, peeled and finely chopped or pureed)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 200 ml Sunflower oil
- 2 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Roast the eggplants directly over an open flame or under a broiler until the skin is charred and the flesh is very soft. Let them cool, then peel and finely chop the flesh.
💡 Tip: Roasting over flame imparts a smoky flavor. Ensure good ventilation. - 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Add the chopped red bell peppers to the pot and cook for another 10-15 minutes until they soften.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Stir in the chopped eggplant flesh, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaves.
💡 Tip: If using pureed tomatoes, the mixture will be more liquid. - 5
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the spread has thickened considerably and the flavors have melded. The oil should start to separate from the vegetables.
⏱️ 2 hours💡 Tip: Stirring is crucial to prevent sticking and burning. - 6
Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the hot zacuscă into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes for long-term storage, or cool and store in the refrigerator for immediate consumption.
💡 Tip: Sterilize jars and lids thoroughly.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother texture, you can pulse the roasted eggplant flesh in a food processor before adding it to the pot.
- ✓Adjust the amount of oil based on your preference; some prefer a richer spread.
- ✓Zacuscă can be made with other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms, but the classic version focuses on eggplant.
- ✓This spread improves in flavor after a day or two.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate finely grated carrots along with the onions and peppers for added sweetness and texture.