Zacuscă - Romanian Roasted Vegetable Spread

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs) 2 large eggplants (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs)
• 2 red bell peppers 2 red bell peppers
• 4 ripe tomatoes 4 ripe tomatoes
• 2 onions 2 onions
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 9g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Place the eggplants, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. 3.
   Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until they are charred and tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the vegetables from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Peel the skin off the eggplants, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Chop them into small pieces and transfer to a large bowl.
6. 6.
   In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
7. 7.
   Add the roasted vegetables to the pan and stir well.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle in the paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
9. 9.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. 10.
    Remove from heat and let the Zacuscă cool completely before transferring it to sterilized jars.
11. 11.
    Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplants — Make sure to prick the skin of the eggplants with a fork before roasting to prevent them from bursting.
• Bell peppers — You can use a variety of colors for a more visually appealing dish.
• Tomatoes — Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Onions — Red onions can be used for a slightly sweeter taste.
• Garlic — Fresh garlic is recommended for the most aromatic flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
• Customize the herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.
• Serve Zacuscă as a dip with crusty bread or as a topping for grilled meats.
• Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve Zacuscă at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop. It pairs well with fresh bread, crackers, or as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps.

Presentation advice

Transfer the Zacuscă to a decorative jar or bowl for an appealing presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance.