Skip to content
Dips

Zacusca Recipe | Romanian Eggplant Pepper Spread

Romanian Eggplant Pepper Spread

Zacusca is a Romanian roasted eggplant and pepper spread cooked with onion, tomato, oil, and bay leaf until thick and rich. It has a soft vegetable texture, gentle sweetness, smoky roasted flavor, and a savory finish. Serve it with bread, crackers, cheese, grilled meats, or as a cold appetizer.

Sauces and Dips

Zacusca Recipe

Romanian Eggplant Pepper Spread

Zacusca is a Romanian roasted eggplant and pepper spread cooked with onion, tomato, oil, and bay leaf until thick and rich. It has a soft vegetable texture, gentle sweetness, smoky roasted flavor, and a savory finish. Serve it with bread, crackers, cheese, grilled meats, or as a cold appetizer.

TypeDips
Prep25 minutes
Cook1 hour
Rest30 minutes
Total1 hour 55 minutes
YieldAbout 540 g
Servings12
Serving45 g
DifficultyEasy
CuisineRomanian, Eastern European

Ingredients

Batch

Instructions

Serving Ideas

  • Serve on toast, crusty bread, or crackers.
  • Pair with cheese, cured meats, pickles, and grilled sausages.
  • Use as a dip for roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Chef Tips

  • Roast the vegetables until very soft for the right texture.
  • Cook slowly so the spread thickens without burning.
  • Zacusca tastes better after resting overnight.

Storage

Store refrigerated in a clean container for up to 1 week.

Allergen Notes

Naturally dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and gluten-free.

Discover more from Sauces and Dips

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading