Chunky Zucchini Caviar with Carrot and Tomato Paste

Name: Chunky Zucchini Caviar with Carrot and Tomato Paste
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: About 8 servings
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 2 kg zucchini, peeled and diced; 3 medium carrots, grated; 2 medium onions, diced; 200 g tomato paste; 100 ml sunflower oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; to taste salt and black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped dill or parsley, optional

A rustic spread of diced zucchini, carrots, onions and tomato paste simmered until thick.

By Lera BruminaUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 25 minMakes About 8 servings

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Zucchini caviar is a savory vegetable spread, not fish roe. This source uses a large two-kilogram batch and specifically discusses keeping the vegetables in pieces, so the card makes a chunky skillet version. Dice peeled zucchini evenly and start the onion and carrot first; they need more time to soften than the squash. Tomato paste adds a concentrated savory note, while garlic and herbs go in near the end. Cook uncovered until the mixture is thick enough to hold on a spoon. Serve on bread or with grains after cooling. The source mentions winter preserving without a tested method, so this version stays refrigerated.

Recipe card

Chunky Zucchini Caviar with Carrot and Tomato Paste

Prep 30 minCook 55 minTotal 1 hr 25 minYield About 8 servings

Equipment: Large wide skillet, knife, grater, wooden spoon

Ingredients

2 kg zucchini, peeled and diced 3 medium carrots, grated 2 medium onions, diced 200 g tomato paste 100 ml sunflower oil 3 cloves garlic, minced to taste salt and black pepper 2 tbsp chopped dill or parsley, optional

Instructions

Prepare vegetables
Peel large zucchini, discard mature seeds and dice into small cubes. Dice onion and grate carrots.
Soften onion and carrot
Heat half the oil in a large skillet and cook onion and carrot until soft, about 8–10 minutes.
Cook zucchini
Add remaining oil and zucchini. Cook uncovered 25–35 minutes, stirring often, until tender and much liquid evaporates.
Finish
Stir in tomato paste, garlic, salt and pepper; simmer 10–15 minutes until thick. Add optional herbs.
Cool
Serve warm or cool promptly in shallow containers and refrigerate. Keep the caviar chunky.

How to tell when it is ready

Zucchini pieces are tender and the spread is thick with no pool of liquid.

Tips

Remove tough skins and large seeds from mature zucchini.
Dice pieces evenly so they soften together.
Cook uncovered to evaporate liquid naturally.
Stir more often near the end, when tomato paste can catch.

Serving suggestions

Spread on toasted rye bread.
Spoon beside buckwheat.
Use as a topping for baked potatoes.
Offer chilled with crisp vegetables.

Make ahead

Wash and measure ingredients ahead; keep perishable ingredients refrigerated until cooking.

Storage

Refrigerate covered up to 4 days or freeze portions.

Food safety

This is a cooked refrigerated vegetable spread, not a tested shelf-stable canned product.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my spread watery?

Cook uncovered longer and stir; zucchini releases a lot of moisture.

How should I store chunky homestyle zucchini caviar?

Refrigerate covered up to 4 days or freeze portions.

About the author

Lera Brumina

Lera Brumina shares creative recipes shaped by Ukrainian food traditions and international influences. She focuses on baking, desserts and modern variations, with approachable instructions and practical ideas for home cooks.