Zucchini relish recipe

Learn how to make your own homemade zucchini relish with this simple recipe. It’s a tangy delight that’s great for BBQs and picnics. You’ll need just under an hour and 40 minutes to make it. This recipe makes about 4 half-pints and takes 15 minutes to prepare, 25 minutes to cook, and an hour to rest.

This zucchini relish is perfect for adding a homemade touch to your meals. It’s sure to impress your guests.

For the full recipe and step-by-step guide, visit Mountain Feed and Farm Supply. You’ll learn how to can this tasty relish. It’s a fun way to enjoy a tangy treat while practicing sustainable home canning.

Key Takeaways

• Quick preparation: Just 15 minutes to prep the ingredients.
• Healthy and flavorful: A low-fat condiment with tangy notes.
• Yield: Approximately 4 half-pints of relish.
• Canning technique: Involves 10-15 minutes of water bath processing.
• Extended shelf-life: Properly canned jars last for up to 2-3 years.

Introduction to Zucchini Relish

Welcome to the world of zucchini relish! This recipe captures summer’s essence with its crisp taste. It’s perfect for adding flavor to many dishes. Zucchini relish started as a way to use up garden produce and has become a staple in American cooking.

Making relish is a fun way to reduce food waste. It’s also a chance to show off your cooking skills. The process of making relish is surprisingly simple. It brings together ingredients in a way that creates a burst of flavor.

To make this easy zucchini relish, you’ll need some basic ingredients. Start with 2 1/2 cups each of green and yellow zucchini or squash, finely chopped. Add 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped white onion for a bit of pungency. Then, include 1 finely chopped red bell pepper for sweetness and color.

The relish gets its tang from 3 cups of white vinegar and 4 cups of sugar. This mix creates a sweet and sour taste. To keep the relish crunchy, chill and soak the chopped veggies for 3-12 hours.

The cooking process combines science and flavor. Boil sugar, vinegar, and spices to create a fragrant base. Then, add the veggies. This makes about 7 pint-size jars of delicious zucchini relish.

Finally, process the jars in a boiling-water canner for 10 minutes. This ensures they last a long time. Let the jars sit for 12-24 hours after processing. Then, wait 1-2 weeks before enjoying. The relish stays crunchy and flavorful for a year, making it a great addition to your meals all year.

Ingredients Needed for Zucchini Relish

Making a tasty zucchini relish begins with the right ingredients. Each part is key to the relish’s flavor and texture. Let’s look at what you need for this tasty condiment.

Zucchini and Onions

The base of the relish is fresh zucchini and onions. You’ll need 10 cups of grated zucchini and 3 cups of grated onions. These add a crunchy texture and a sweet taste, boosting the flavor.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers bring color and crunch. Use 4 red bell peppers for this recipe. They add a sweet touch and make the relish vibrant and appealing.

Spices and Seasonings

Spices are crucial for depth and complexity. This recipe includes:

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of celery seed

These spices, along with 5 tablespoons of canning or pickling salt, add a flavorful kick.

Other Essentials

Other ingredients complete the zucchini relish. You’ll need:

• 3 cups of sugar
• 3 cups of vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)

These help preserve the relish and balance its tanginess. With fresh and accurate ingredients, you’ll make a relish everyone will enjoy.

Preparation Steps

Getting zucchini ready for relish is key to a tasty and smooth final product. This guide will help you from shredding the zucchini to mixing it with salt. It’s the first step to making a great relish.

Shredding the Zucchini

First, wash and dry the zucchini well. You can use a food processor with a shredding attachment or a box grater. Shred it into fine pieces for a good texture in your relish.

Mixing with Salt

Once shredded, put the zucchini in a big bowl. Mix in 5 tablespoons of salt until it’s spread out evenly. This step is important to get rid of extra moisture. It helps your relish turn out right.

1. Spread the zucchini evenly in the bowl.
2. Add the salt and mix thoroughly.
3. Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight, allowing it to drain and remove excess water effectively.

The next morning, you’ll see the zucchini has lost a lot of moisture. Drain the liquid, and your zucchini is now ready for the next steps in making your relish.

Cooking the Relish

The first step in making homemade relish is boiling the zucchini mix with vinegar and sugar. This step is key to improving the flavor and keeping the relish fresh for longer.

Boiling with Vinegar and Sugar

Pour 1 cup of cider vinegar and 1 3/4 cups of sugar into a big saucepot. Heat it on medium until it boils and the sugar dissolves. Then, add the shredded zucchini, 3 cups of onions, and 3 red bell peppers.

Bring it back to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Stir often to avoid sticking. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

Adding Spices and Peppers

Once simmered, add 2 teaspoons of celery seed and 1 teaspoon of mustard seed. Stir well to mix the spices evenly. Then, add 1/2 cup of chopped green pepper and 1/2 cup of chopped sweet red pepper.

Keep stirring and simmer for another 10 minutes. This lets the spices and peppers mix well with the zucchini.

This cooking method greatly affects the relish’s taste and texture. For detailed recipe steps, visit here.

Canning the Zucchini Relish

Properly canning your zucchini relish keeps it fresh and tasty for a long time. You need to sterilize the jars and pack the relish right. Here’s a guide to help you preserve your relish well.

Sterilizing the Jars

Start by making sure your jars are clean and sterilized. Boil them in hot water for at least 10 minutes. This step is key to stop bacteria from growing and keep your food safe.

While your jars boil, think about your relish recipe. It might have 2 cups of diced zucchini, 1 cup of diced onion, and 1 cup of diced red bell pepper. This mix makes about four half-pint (8 oz) jars, ready for the relish after they’re sterilized.

Packing the Relish

After sterilizing, fill the jars with your relish using a funnel to avoid spills. Pack the relish tightly, making sure there are no air pockets. Leave about a half-inch space at the top for expansion during canning.

Wipe the jar rims with a damp cloth to get a good seal. Put the lids on, closing them firmly but not too tight. The relish, with its mix of sugar, vinegar, and spices, will be well preserved.

For more tips and tasty recipes, check out Broccoli Crunch Salad and other healthy dishes.

Processing the Canned Relish

After packing your zucchini relish into sterilized jars, it’s time to process them. This step helps keep the relish fresh for longer. Sealing the jars correctly is key to success.

Boiling the Jars

Put your sealed jars in a boiling water bath. The time needed to process them depends on your location:

• 15 minutes for altitudes up to 1,000 ft
• 20 minutes for altitudes between 1,001-6,000 ft
• 25 minutes for altitudes above 6,000 ft

These times help preserve the relish. Start counting down when the water boils.

Checking the Seals

After boiling, take the jars out with a jar lifter. Let them cool on a towel. It’s important to check if each jar is sealed.

1. Press the center of each lid; it should not flex up and down.
2. Remove the ring bands and try to lift the lid with your fingertips. A properly sealed jar will resist opening.

If a jar doesn’t seal, you need to reprocess it or refrigerate it. Regular checks keep your relish safe and fresh for up to 18 months.

By following these steps, you can ensure your zucchini relish stays fresh and tasty for a long time.

Storing and Preserving Your Relish

Keeping your relish fresh is key to its taste and quality. Canned zucchini relish stays good for up to a year in a cool, dark place. This lets you enjoy it all year long.

Freezing is another option, lasting up to 6 months. When you freeze, make sure to follow canning rules to keep it safe. The University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension says to use 5% acidity vinegar and stick to the right vegetable to vinegar ratio.

Here’s a quick glance at the optimal storage methods for zucchini relish:

For the best taste, chop all veggies the same size. Use fresh, ripe ones for the best flavor. You can also adjust the recipe size to fit your needs.

Following these tips will help you store your zucchini relish well. This way, your homemade relish stays tasty and safe to eat. It’s perfect for family meals or as a gift, lasting all year.

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Relish

There are many ways to enjoy serving zucchini relish. It can make simple dishes better and add flavor to your meals. Here are some tasty ways to use it:

• Topping for Hot Dogs and Burgers: Zucchini relish adds a nice crunch and flavor to grilled hot dogs and burgers.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a spoonful of relish to your favorite sandwiches or wraps for more taste and texture.
• Charcuterie Boards: Zucchini relish pairs well with cheese and cured meats on a charcuterie board, adding a fresh and tangy touch.
• Salads: Mix zucchini relish into a leafy salad or a broccoli raisin salad (like the one found here) to boost its flavor.
• Grilled Vegetables: Top charred vegetables with relish for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Stir-Fries: Add a bit of zucchini relish to your stir-fries for a tangy kick that balances the richness.

There are also many creative ways to pair relish with food. Try it on tacos or in coleslaw for a zesty surprise. Zucchini relish can turn your meals into something special.

If you love trying new recipes, serving zucchini relish is a great choice. It can add excitement to your cooking. So, go ahead and experiment with these ideas!

Health Benefits of Zucchini Relish

Zucchini relish is a tasty and healthy addition to any meal. It’s full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate. These nutrients help keep you healthy and feeling good.

One great thing about relish health benefits is it’s low in calories. This makes it perfect for those trying to keep their weight in check. Plus, zucchini has a lot of fiber, which is good for your digestion and gut.

Zucchini relish also has antioxidants like carotenoids and phenolic compounds. These fight off harmful stress in your body. And, if you make fermented zucchini relish, it has probiotics. These help keep your gut healthy, making it a great choice for a healthy snack.

The fermentation process adds even more relish health benefits. It introduces good bacteria that help your digestion. Enjoying it on a sandwich or with meats makes it a tasty and healthy choice every day.

Conclusion

Making homemade zucchini relish is a fun and rewarding process. It lets you use fresh, quality ingredients. From start to finish, it’s all about enjoying the journey and the end result.

The recipe is easy to follow. You can even add jalapenos for a spicy twist. This was done in a 2010 experiment, making the relish even more exciting.

Preparing zucchini relish is a great way to use up extra veggies. It also lets you share your cooking skills with others. For example, you can make 10 cups of grated zucchini from just two and a half large zucchinis.

This method is efficient and can fill up to 11 jars. It saves a lot of time, making the whole process even more enjoyable.

Preserving the relish through canning is very rewarding. It keeps the relish fresh for months. This way, you always have a tasty condiment ready to go.

Homemade relish is better than store-bought. It adds flavor to many dishes like hot dogs and chicken salad. For more recipe ideas, like a healthy Broccoli Raisin Salad, check out here.