Description
Sweet zucchini relish is a tangy, sweet condiment that transforms surplus zucchini into a versatile pantry staple. Whether used as a burger topper or mixed into dressings, this relish adds a burst of flavor to your meals. Easy to make and perfect for preserving summer’s bounty!
Ingredients
- 12 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini
- 4 cups chopped onion
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 5 tablespoons canning salt
- 6 cups white sugar
- 2 ½ cups white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons celery seed
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Combine shredded zucchini and chopped onion in a large non-metallic bowl.
- Sprinkle with canning salt, mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate overnight to remove excess moisture.
- Drain and Rinse
- The next day, drain the zucchini and onion mixture.
- Rinse under cold water and squeeze out excess liquid.
- Cook the Relish Base
- In a large pot, combine sugar, vinegar, red and green bell peppers, and cornstarch.
- Add celery seed, nutmeg, turmeric, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Combine and Simmer
- Add the drained zucchini mixture to the pot and stir to coat.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sterilize Jars
- Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
- Boil them in water for 10 minutes to sterilize.
- Fill and Seal Jars
- Carefully ladle the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving ½ inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles with a spatula, clean rims, and seal jars with lids and bands.
- Process the Jars
- Place jars on a rack in a large pot of boiling water, ensuring they’re submerged by at least 2 inches.
- Cover and process for 30 minutes.
- Cool and Check Seals
- Remove jars and cool on a cloth-covered surface.
- Ensure seals are secure by pressing on the lids; if they don’t move, the seal is set.
Notes
- Storage: Properly sealed jars last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening.
- Adjust Sweetness: Reduce sugar for a less sweet relish.
- Customize Flavor: Add mustard seeds or chili flakes for a unique twist.
- Alternative Method: Freeze relish in airtight containers if canning is not an option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight draining)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American