Garden Fresh Sweet Zucchini Relish
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant Garden Fresh Sweet Zucchini Relish! Bursting with the flavors of freshly chopped zucchini, onions, and sweet peppers, this relish is the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats, burgers, or as a tasty sandwich spread. This small batch recipe is not only simple but allows you to explore the delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors in just about 30 minutes of cooking time. The addition of pickling salt, cider vinegar, and spices creates a beautifully balanced relish that will have your family and friends asking for more. Grab your food processor and let's get cooking!
N/A
Servings
55
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 1/4 lbs (4 cups finely chopped)
Onions
2 medium (finely chopped)
Sweet Red Pepper
1 (finely chopped)
Pickling Salt
2 tablespoons
Granulated Sugar
1 1/4 cups
Cider Vinegar
3/4 cup
Dry Mustard
1 teaspoon
Celery Seed
1 teaspoon (not celery salt)
Hot Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
Water
1 tablespoon
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Begin by combining the finely chopped zucchini, onions, and sweet red pepper in a large non-reactive bowl. Sprinkle with pickling salt and stir until all vegetables are coated. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 hour to draw out moisture and enhance the flavors.
2
After the hour, drain the vegetables through a sieve. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt, then drain again, pressing down to extract as much moisture as possible.
3
In a large stainless steel saucepan, mix the drained vegetables with granulated sugar, cider vinegar, dry mustard, celery seed, hot pepper flakes, and turmeric. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and allow to simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and flavors meld.
4
In a small bowl, blend water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the saucepan and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the relish thickens and the liquid turns clear.
5
Ladle the hot relish into pre-warmed, sterilized jars, filling each jar to within 1/2 inch of the rim. Clean the rims of the jars with a clean cloth, then top with hot lids and screw on rings to secure.
6
Process the jars in a boiling water bath: 10 minutes for half-pint jars and 15 minutes for pint jars. Remove jars from the water and allow to cool on a clean kitchen towel or cooling rack.
Nutrition Information
0.15g
Fat
14g
Carbs
0.2g
Protein
0.45g
Fiber
9g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garden Fresh Sweet Zucchini Relish?
It is a vibrant condiment made from chopped zucchini, onions, and sweet peppers, offering a balanced blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
What are the primary vegetables in this relish?
The main vegetables used are finely chopped zucchini, medium onions, and sweet red pepper.
How long does it take to cook the relish?
The total cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, which includes 15 minutes of simmering and 5 minutes of thickening.
Is this a large-batch or small-batch recipe?
This is described as a small batch recipe, perfect for exploring homemade canning.
How many calories are in a serving of this zucchini relish?
Each serving contains approximately 55 calories.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of cider vinegar.
Why do the vegetables need to sit with salt for an hour?
Allowing the mixture to stand with pickling salt draws out excess moisture and enhances the overall flavors of the vegetables.
Should I rinse the vegetables after they have sat in salt?
Yes, you should rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt and then drain them thoroughly.
How is the relish thickened?
The relish is thickened by stirring in a smooth blend of water and cornstarch near the end of the cooking process.
How long should half-pint jars be processed in a water bath?
Half-pint jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
How long should pint jars be processed?
Pint jars require 15 minutes of processing in a boiling water bath.
What is the recommended serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but the nutritional data is based on a standard condiment serving.
Can I use celery salt instead of celery seed?
No, the recipe specifically states to use celery seed and not celery salt.
What ingredient gives the relish its vibrant yellow color?
The addition of 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric provides the relish with its beautiful color.
Is this zucchini relish spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes, balanced by granulated sugar.
What equipment is needed for the vegetables?
A food processor is recommended for finely chopping the zucchini, onions, and peppers.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
What should I use to cook the relish mixture?
A large stainless steel saucepan is recommended for simmering the vegetables and spices.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
You should fill each jar to within 1/2 inch of the rim.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this relish contain any fat?
It contains a negligible amount of fat, approximately 0.15 grams per serving.
What is the fiber content of the relish?
The relish provides about 0.45 grams of fiber per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients including the vegetables, liquids, and spices.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of pickling salt.
How much zucchini is needed by weight?
You will need approximately 1 1/4 lbs of zucchini, which yields 4 cups when finely chopped.
What are some suggested uses for this relish?
It is a perfect accompaniment for grilled meats, burgers, or as a spread for sandwiches.
Should the jars be pre-warmed?
Yes, the hot relish should be ladled into pre-warmed, sterilized jars.
What spices are included in the mixture?
The spice blend includes dry mustard, celery seed, hot pepper flakes, and turmeric.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The two medium onions should be finely chopped.
How should the jars be cooled after processing?
Remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool on a clean kitchen towel or a cooling rack.