Zucchini Relish: A Delicious and Easy Canning Recipe
Zucchini relish is a vibrant and tangy condiment that adds a delightful burst of flavor to any meal. It's perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, or even enjoying as a side dish. This recipe is easy to make and can be canned for long-term storage, ensuring you have a delicious and homemade treat on hand whenever you need it.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 4 pounds zucchini, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
Equipment You'll Need
- Large pot
- Canning jars and lids
- Jar lifter
- Water bath canner
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and chop the zucchini, onions, and bell peppers into small pieces.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large pot, combine the chopped vegetables, vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric.
3. Cook the Relish:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the relish has thickened slightly.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Prepare Jars:
- While the relish is simmering, sterilize your canning jars and lids. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
5. Fill Jars:
- Carefully ladle the hot relish into the sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch headspace at the top.
6. Process in Water Bath:
- Place the filled jars in a water bath canner, ensuring they are completely submerged in boiling water.
- Process for 10 minutes, adjusting for your altitude.
- Carefully remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter and let them cool completely.
7. Check for Seals:
- Once the jars are cool, check the lids to ensure they are properly sealed. The lid should be concave (pushed down) and not move when pressed.
Tips and Storage
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh, high-quality zucchini for the best flavor.
- Adjust Spice: Customize the spice level to your taste by adding more or less mustard seed, celery seed, or turmeric.
- Storage: Properly canned zucchini relish can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Enjoy Your Homemade Zucchini Relish!
Now you have a jar full of homemade zucchini relish, ready to enjoy on all your favorite foods. This recipe is a great way to use up excess zucchini from your garden and add a unique flavor to your kitchen.
