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Zakuska Calories
Balkan vegetable relish, roasted eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, garlic
In season: Summer · Autumn
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
2 tablespoon (medium) of Zakuska (40 g) has 28 calories. That works out to 70 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.4 g of carbs, 0.6 g of protein, 1.4 g of fat and 1.1 g of fiber. Its 84 µg of Vitamin A covers 9% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Zakuska Nutrition Facts
Selected: 2 tablespoon (medium) · 40 g
28
KCAL / 40G
Carbs
3.4g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.6g
· 1% DV
Fat
1.4g
· 2% DV
Fiber
1.1g
· 4% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 48% · Protein 8% · Fat 44%
Zakuska nutrition facts table · 2 tablespoon (medium) (40 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 28 kcal | |
| Total fat | 1.4 g | 2% |
| Saturated fat | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 128 mg | 6% |
| Total carbohydrate | 3.4 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% |
| Protein | 0.6 g | 1% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 2 Tablespoons of Zakuska?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tablespoon (medium) | 40 g | 28 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (small) | 20 g | 14 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 50 g | 35 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 60 g | 42 kcal |
| 4 tablespoon (large) | 80 g | 56 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 70 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 100 g | 70 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 100 g | 70 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 180 g | 126 kcal |
Calculated from 70 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zakuska
What is zakuska?
Zakuska is a Balkan-style vegetable relish made mainly from roasted eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. It is usually served as a spread or side dish, rather than eaten as a stand-alone vegetable.
How do you eat zakuska?
Zakuska is commonly spread on bread or served as a cold appetizer. It also works as a sandwich filling, a side for grilled foods, or a topping for cooked pasta.
How is zakuska made?
Zakuska is made by roasting or baking the vegetables, chopping them, and slowly cooking them together with garlic. Recipes vary, but eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes give the relish its characteristic soft texture and savory flavor.
Is zakuska the same as ajvar?
No. Ajvar is primarily a roasted red-pepper spread, while zakuska usually includes eggplant and tomatoes as well. Both are popular Balkan relishes, and local recipes can blur the distinction.
Where does zakuska come from?
Zakuska is associated with Balkan and Eastern European home cooking, with related preparations known by different names across the region. Romanian zacuscă is a particularly well-known counterpart; ingredients and methods vary by place.
Does zakuska contain eggplant?
Yes, eggplant is a characteristic ingredient in many zakuska recipes, alongside peppers and tomatoes. Some regional or household versions change the proportions or omit an ingredient, so the exact mixture is not universal.
How long does zakuska last after opening?
Keep opened zakuska covered in the refrigerator and use a clean utensil each time. Homemade zakuska is best eaten within a few days; for a jarred product, follow its storage directions after opening.
Can you freeze zakuska?
Yes, zakuska can be frozen in an airtight container, preferably in small portions. Its texture may become softer or release some liquid after thawing, so stir it before serving and thaw it in the refrigerator.
Is zakuska spicy?
Zakuska is usually savory rather than hot, but some recipes include chili or hot peppers. The level of heat depends on the peppers used, so homemade and regional versions can taste quite different.
What is the difference between zakuska and Romanian zacuscă?
Zakuska and Romanian zacuscă are closely related names for Balkan-style vegetable spreads, and their recipes can be very similar. Zacuscă commonly features roasted eggplant and peppers cooked with tomatoes; spelling and ingredients vary across the region.
Zakuska Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
84µg · 9% DV
Vitamin C
7.2mg · 8% DV
Vitamin E
0.44mg · 3% DV
B6
0.05mg · 3% DV
Minerals
Sodium
128mg · 6% DV
Copper
0.03mg · 3% DV
Potassium ⭐
84mg · 2% DV
Manganese
0.04mg · 2% DV
Zakuska Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Zakuska
To burn the 28 calories in 2 tablespoon (medium) (40 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Zakuska?
Zakuska is a Balkan-style vegetable relish made by roasting eggplant and peppers, then cooking them with tomatoes, garlic and often a little oil. Recipes vary across the region, and the finished spread may be smooth or pleasantly chunky.
It has a mellow smoky flavour, balanced by the sweetness and tang of tomato and the bite of garlic. In the Balkans it is commonly served as a spread with bread, as part of a meze-style table, or alongside other simple dishes; it also works well on toast for an easy snack. It is vegetable-led and provides fibre, with 2.8 g per 100 g. Pair it with fresh vegetables or crusty bread, or choose a version made with less oil for a lighter serving.
How Nutritious Is Zakuska?
Nutrient density
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Zakuska Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Zakuska Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Zakuska Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Zakuska Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.2g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.48g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.56g
Omega 6:3 ratio 14:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (14:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.