Bean Zacusca: Traditional Romanian Recipe
Bean zacusca is a delicious preserve that is typical of Romanian cuisine, made with onions, carrots, roasted peppers, tomato puree, and cooked beans. A fragrant and genuine spread, perfect to spread on bread or serve as an appetizer.
Its rich flavor derives from a long cooking process over low heat, combining all the aromas with a touch of pepper and bay leaf. It is prepared in autumn, when the vegetables are most flavorful, and each jar captures the authentic taste of homemade cuisine.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 20/30
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn
Ingredients for Bean Zacusca: Traditional Romanian Recipe:
- 17.6 oz onion
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 cups tomato puree
- 24.7 oz peppers (roasted)
- 10.6 oz carrots
- 8.8 oz cooked beans
- bay leaf
- salt
- pepper
Steps
For the preparation of Bean Zacusca: Traditional Romanian Recipe watch the video HERE.
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First, prepare all the vegetables: finely chop the carrots, onions, and roasted, peeled peppers. You can do it by hand or with a food processor to maintain a slightly rustic texture, just like in the traditional recipe. In a large pot, pour the oil and, when hot, add the onions and carrots. Let them sauté gently for about ten minutes, until the onions become transparent and release their aroma.
At this point, add the roasted peppers, mix well and let the mixture absorb the flavors for a few minutes. Then pour in the tomato puree, partially cover, and let it cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the vegetables are well cooked, add the cooked beans, a pinch of salt, a few peppercorns, and a bay leaf.
Continue cooking for another 30 minutes until you obtain a dense, glossy, and fragrant cream.
At this point, your bean zacusca is ready! If you want to preserve it, pour it hot into sterilized jars, seal them tightly, and let them cool upside down: it will keep perfectly for several months.
Enjoy your meal!
Storage:
Pour the hot zacusca into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and let them cool upside down. It will keep for up to 8 months in the pantry; after opening, store in the fridge and consume within 5 days.
