Zacuscă is a beloved Romanian dish, often described as "vegetable spread" or "Romanian ratatouille." This delightful and versatile dish has deep roots in Romanian cuisine and is cherished for its rich flavors.

Ingredients:

To make Zacuscă, you'll need the following ingredients:

5 red bell peppers

3 eggplants

3 onions, finely chopped

4-5 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 cup sunflower oil

1 cup tomato paste

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Follow these steps to create your own delicious Zacuscă

Roast the Vegetables:

Roast the red bell peppers and eggplants in the oven or over an open flame until their skins are charred. Then, place them in a covered bowl to steam for easier peeling.

Peel and Chop:

Once the roasted vegetables have cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds from the peppers, and chop them into small pieces.

Sauté Onions and Garlic:

In a large pan, sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic in sunflower oil until they become translucent.

Add Chopped Vegetables:

Add the chopped roasted peppers and eggplants to the pan, mixing them well with the sautéed onions and garlic.

Incorporate Tomato Paste:

Stir in the tomato paste, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook the mixture over low heat for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Serving:

Zacuscă can be enjoyed in various ways. It's a fantastic spread for bread, a delicious condiment for grilled meats, or a flavorful addition to omelets and sandwiches. It's a versatile dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal.

Zacuscă is more than just a spread; it's a representation of Romania's culinary heritage. Its robust flavors and versatility make it a beloved dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.