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Bucharest (Romania)
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Starter
Vegan
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
120kcal
3gProtein
15gCarbs
6gFat
4gFibre
100 gServing
* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.
Zacuscă
How to order / say it
Say it
Zacuscă — [Za-koos-ka]
Order
Can I have zacuscă as a starter?
Locally
Pot avea zacuscă ca aperitiv?
Say locally
A smoky spread made from roasted vegetables, typically eggplant and peppers.
Why try it?
Zacuscă is a testament to the resourcefulness of Romanian cuisine, capturing the essence of garden harvests preserved for the winter and beloved for its rich, smoky flavors.
How it tastes
The spread is a harmony of smoky, deep flavors, with a smooth texture and the rich earthiness of roasted vegetables enhanced by a hint of acidity.
Origin & History — first documented: 1925
Zacuscă originated in the early 20th century in urban areas, as families began preserving autumn harvests to enjoy the flavors year-round, particularly in cities like Bucharest.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 500 g eggplant
- 🥕 500 g red bell peppers
- 🧄 1 piece onion
- 🥕 200 g tomato paste
- 🫒 50 ml sunflower oil
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic
Method
- 1 Roast eggplant and bell peppers until charred.
- 2 Peel and chop vegetables.
- 3 Cook with onion, garlic, and tomato paste until thickened.
- 4 Blend into a smooth spread.
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