If you find yourself with an abundance of zucchinis from your garden or a fantastic deal at the farmer’s market, consider transforming them into a delicious and versatile relish. Zucchini relish is a fantastic way to preserve the flavors of summer and add a burst of fresh taste to a variety of dishes. This simple recipe will guide you through creating your own batch of zucchini relish that you can enjoy throughout the year.
Zucchini Relish Recipe
Ingredients:
– 6 cups zucchini, grated
– 2 cups onion, finely chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
– 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
– 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
– 2 1/2 cups sugar
– 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon celery seeds
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing your zucchinis. Wash and grate 6 cups of zucchinis, discarding the ends. You can leave the skin on for added texture and color in your relish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, finely chopped onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Mix well to distribute the vegetables evenly.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.
4. Add the zucchini and pepper mixture to the saucepan with the vinegar and spice mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer the relish mixture over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should soften, and the flavors should meld together beautifully.
6. After simmering, taste the relish and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the flavors to your preference.
7. Once the zucchini relish has thickened slightly and the vegetables are tender, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the relish to cool to room temperature.
8. Transfer the zucchini relish into sterilized glass jars, leaving a bit of space at the top of each jar. Seal the jars tightly with lids.
9. Store the zucchini relish in the refrigerator for immediate use, or process in a water bath canner for longer preservation. Properly canned zucchini relish can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Enjoy your homemade zucchini relish on sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, or as a delightful accompaniment with cheeses and charcuterie. This versatile condiment adds a pop of flavor and freshness to a wide range of dishes, making it a must-have in any well-stocked pantry. Share jars of this delicious relish with friends and loved ones, spreading the joy of homemade goodness wherever it goes.
