Zacusca

The word zacuscă is of Slavic origin which means simply "appetizer" or "snack".

Zacuscă (Romanian pronunciation: [za'kusk?]) is a vegetable spread popular in Romania and Moldova. Similar spreads are found in other countries throughout, or bordering, the Balkans. The main ingredients are roasted eggplant, onions, tomato paste, and roasted "Round of Hungary" or "Paprika Pepper" pepper (Romanian pepper called gogosari). Some add mushrooms, carrots, or celery. Bay leaves are added as spice, as well as other ingredients (oil, salt, and pepper). Zacuscă can be eaten as a relish or spread, typically on bread.