Summer Zucchini Delight Relish
This zesty Summer Zucchini Delight Relish, a treasured family recipe from my stepmom, brings a burst of flavor to your summer gatherings. The delightful combination of fresh zucchini, vibrant peppers, and aromatic spices will tantalize your taste buds and enhance any meal. Whether you're grilling hotdogs, serving summer salads, or preparing a leisurely roast, this relish is the perfect accompaniment. It’s not just a condiment—it’s a celebration of summer flavors that will surely be a hit at your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh zucchini, unpeeled
10 cups (ground (about 4 large))
ground onions
4 cups
salt
5 tablespoons
white vinegar
2 1/4 cups
sugar
4 1/2 cups
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
celery salt
2 teaspoons
nutmeg
1 tablespoon
dry mustard
1 tablespoon
turmeric
1 tablespoon
cornstarch
1 tablespoon
green pepper
1 (finely chopped)
sweet red pepper
1 (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground zucchini, ground onions, and salt. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture stand overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
2
The next day, drain off the excess moisture, rinse the mixture in cold water, and drain it again to remove any excess salt.
3
In a large kettle, combine the white vinegar, sugar, pepper, celery salt, nutmeg, dry mustard, turmeric, and cornstarch. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4
Once boiling, add the drained zucchini mixture along with the finely chopped green and sweet red peppers. Stir to combine and bring back to a boil.
5
Reduce the heat and let the relish simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6
While the relish simmers, prepare canning jars and lids by sterilizing them in hot water to ensure they are ready for filling.
7
After simmering, pour the hot relish into the prepared jars, leaving a little headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal with the sterilized lids.
8
Process the jars in a hot water bath for 5 minutes to ensure they are properly sealed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Zucchini Delight Relish?
It is a zesty condiment made with fresh zucchini, vibrant peppers, and aromatic spices, based on a treasured family recipe.
Who originally created this recipe?
This recipe is a treasured family favorite passed down from the creator's stepmom.
How much zucchini do I need for this relish?
The recipe requires 10 cups of ground fresh zucchini, which is approximately 4 large zucchinis.
Should I peel the zucchini before grinding it?
No, the zucchini should be left unpeeled for this recipe.
How many onions are required for the relish?
You will need 4 cups of ground onions.
Why do the zucchini and onions need to sit overnight?
They stand overnight with salt to allow the flavors to meld and to help draw out excess moisture.
How much salt is used in the initial preparation?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of salt to be mixed with the ground zucchini and onions.
Do I need to rinse the vegetables after they sit overnight?
Yes, you must drain the mixture, rinse it in cold water, and drain it again to remove excess salt.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/4 cups of white vinegar.
How much sugar is included in the relish?
There are 4 1/2 cups of sugar used to provide a sweet balance to the tangy vinegar.
What spices are included in the mixture?
The relish is flavored with pepper, celery salt, nutmeg, dry mustard, and turmeric.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is added to the vinegar and spice mixture to help thicken the relish.
What types of peppers are added to the relish?
The recipe includes one finely chopped green pepper and one finely chopped sweet red pepper.
How long does the relish need to simmer?
The relish should simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
No, the recipe specifies that you should let the relish simmer uncovered.
How do I prevent the relish from sticking while cooking?
Stir the mixture occasionally during the 30-minute simmering period to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
How do I prepare the canning jars?
Sterilize the jars and lids in hot water while the relish is simmering to prepare them for filling.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
You should leave a little headspace at the top of the jars when pouring in the hot relish.
What is the final step for sealing the jars?
Wipe the rims clean, seal with sterilized lids, and process in a hot water bath for 5 minutes.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 specific ingredients used to make this relish.
Is this relish suitable for hotdogs?
Yes, it is specifically recommended as a perfect accompaniment for grilling hotdogs.
Can I use this relish with a roast?
Yes, it is a great way to enhance a leisurely roast meal.
What food categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a condiment, vegetable relish, chutney, and homemade preserve.
What makes this recipe 'zesty'?
The combination of white vinegar, dry mustard, turmeric, and vibrant peppers gives it its zesty flavor.
How much nutmeg is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of nutmeg.
How much turmeric should I add?
Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric to the mixture for flavor and color.
How much celery salt is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of celery salt.
Is this a good recipe for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a celebration of summer flavors that is sure to be a hit at any table.
What temperature should I use to bring the vinegar mixture to a boil?
Bring the vinegar, sugar, and spice mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Can I serve this relish with summer salads?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a flavorful addition to summer salads.