Zucchini and Tomato Spread (Kabachkovaya Ikra) for Winter

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   Gather the ingredients and spices for this delicious zucchini spread for winter.

2. Step 2:

   

   Peel a large zucchini.

3. Step 3:

   

   Scrape out all the seeds.

4. Step 4:

   

   That left 2 kg (about 4.5 lb) of zucchini ready to use.

5. Step 5:

   

   Cut the zucchini into rough large cubes.

6. Step 6:

   

   Put the diced zucchini in a large skillet, add 85 g (about 6 tbsp) of vegetable oil, and fry over the highest heat for 20 minutes.

7. Step 7:

   

   Coarsely chop 600 g of onion and set it on a plate.

8. Step 8:

   

   Remove the stem ends from 600 g of tomatoes, put them in a large bowl, and pour boiling water over them.

9. Step 9:

   

   Grate 600 g of carrots on the large holes, and transfer the fried zucchini from the skillet into a pot.

10. Step 10:

    

    Put the chopped onion into the skillet, add 85 g (about 6 tbsp) of vegetable oil, and fry, stirring, until golden.

11. Step 11:

    

    Carefully slip the skins off the tomatoes.

12. Step 12:

    

    Add the grated carrots to the onion in the skillet and cook, stirring, for 15 minutes, then transfer them to the pot with the zucchini.

13. Step 13:

    

    Cut the peeled tomatoes into large cubes.

14. Step 14:

    

    Put the tomatoes in the skillet too, add the rest of the vegetable oil, and fry them over high heat.

15. Step 15:

    

    Once the tomatoes are soft, add them to the rest of the vegetables in the pot.

16. Step 16:

    

    Blend the vegetables until smooth, then add 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, half a teaspoon of ground red pepper, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and mix well again.

17. Step 17:

    

    Set the pot of puréed vegetables over low heat and cook the spread, stirring, for 20 minutes, then add 1 teaspoon of citric acid, mix well, and cook for another 5 minutes until done.

18. Step 18:

    

    Spoon the hot spread into sterilized jars, right to the top, using a funnel.

19. Step 19:

    

    Seal the jars (this makes about 2 quarts) tightly with sterilized lids, turn them upside down, cover them with a thick blanket, and leave them to cool for several hours.

20. Step 20:

    

    Cooking together, cooking simply, making the most delicious dishes at home from everyday ingredients — enjoy!