Zacuscă () is a vegetable spread popular in Romania, Moldova and Hungary (zakuszka), which originated from Romania. Similar spreads are found in other countries in the Balkan region, and bordering regions.

Ingredients

thumb|A , the variety of pepper used in zacuscă.

The main ingredients are roasted eggplant, sauteed onions, tomato paste, and roasted (a Romanian cultivar of red bell pepper). Some add mushrooms, carrots, or celery. Bay leaves are added as spice, as well as other ingredients (oil, salt, and pepper). Traditionally, a family will cook a large quantity of it after the fall harvest and preserve it through canning.

Use

Zacuscă can be eaten as a relish or spread, typically on bread. It is said to improve in taste after some months of maturing but must be used within days of opening. Although traditionally prepared at home, it is also commercially available. Some Bulgarian and Middle Eastern brands are available in the United States. In the Orthodox Christian majority countries, it is sometimes eaten during fasting seasons due to the absence of meat, eggs or dairy products.

Etymology

The word zacuscă is of Slavic origin which means simply "appetizer", "breakfast" or "snack", and appears in Russian as "Zakuski".

See also

  • Ajvar, pindjur and ljutenica, similar spreads in Balkan cuisine
  • Kyopolou, a similar Bulgarian dish
  • Biber salçası, a Turkish paste made from red peppers alone
  • List of eggplant dishes
  • List of spreads

References

  • Zacusca (recipe)