Zesty Zucchini-Pepper Relish
Transform your summer zucchini surplus into a vibrant and tangy relish that can be enjoyed all year round! This Zesty Zucchini-Pepper Relish is ideal as a topping for hotdogs, hamburgers, or even as a delicious side with grilled meats. The sweet and spicy blend of zucchini, peppers, and spices creates a flavor burst that enhances any dish. Perfect for canning, this relish will bring a taste of summer to your winter meals. This recipe yields about 2 quarts, but don't hesitate to double it for a larger batch!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
3 lbs (Seeded if necessary)
Onions
3 (Finely chopped)
Sweet Red Peppers
2 (Seeds removed and finely chopped)
Pickling Salt
1/4 cup
Sugar
2 1/2 cups
White Vinegar
1 1/2 cups
Dry Mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons
Celery Seed
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
Water
1 tablespoon
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the zucchini in a food processor using an on/off motion until you achieve a desired texture.
2
Place the chopped zucchini into a large mixing bowl.
3
Using the food processor, finely chop the onions and add them to the zucchini.
4
Remove the seeds from the sweet red peppers and finely chop them by hand, then add them to the bowl.
5
Sprinkle the mixture with pickling salt, and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Let the mixture sit for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
6
After an hour, drain off any excess liquid and rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. Drain again, pressing out as much liquid as possible.
7
In a large, heavy saucepan, combine sugar, white vinegar, dry mustard, celery seed, black pepper, and turmeric, and bring this mixture to a boil while stirring.
8
Once boiling, carefully add the drained zucchini-pepper mixture to the saucepan. Stir well and return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
9
Simmer the relish uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the zucchini mixture becomes tender.
10
In a small bowl, mix together water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the simmering relish and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes clear and thickened.
11
Prepare your sterilized jars: Wash jars in hot soapy water, then dry thoroughly. Place the jars right side up on a cookie sheet and heat in the oven at 225°F (107°C) for 10 minutes. Turn off the oven and keep the jars inside until you are ready to fill them.
12
Once ready, carefully ladle the hot relish into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Seal the jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
45g
Carbs
1g
Protein
3g
Fiber
40g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Zucchini-Pepper Relish?
It is a vibrant and tangy condiment made from zucchini and peppers, perfect for topping hotdogs and hamburgers.
How much relish does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 2 quarts of relish.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for canning.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include zucchini, onions, sweet red peppers, pickling salt, sugar, and white vinegar.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
The recipe does not require peeling, but it recommends seeding the zucchini if necessary before chopping.
What type of peppers are used in this relish?
The recipe calls for two sweet red peppers with the seeds removed.
Why is pickling salt used in the recipe?
Pickling salt is used to draw out moisture from the vegetables and help preserve the relish.
How long should the vegetable mixture sit with salt?
The mixture should sit for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
Is it necessary to rinse the vegetables after salting?
Yes, after sitting for an hour, you should drain the liquid and rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe specifies using white vinegar.
Can I use a food processor for preparation?
Yes, a food processor is recommended for finely chopping the zucchini and the onions using an on/off motion.
What spices give this relish its flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of dry mustard, celery seed, black pepper, and turmeric.
How long does the relish need to simmer?
The relish should simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until it thickens and the vegetables are tender.
How is the relish thickened?
It is thickened using a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of water and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
How long do you cook the relish after adding the cornstarch?
Cook for an additional 5 minutes after adding the slurry, stirring continuously until clear and thickened.
How should I sterilize the canning jars?
Wash jars in hot soapy water, dry them, and then heat them in the oven at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
What is the recommended headspace for the jars?
You should leave about 1/2 inch of headspace when filling the jars with hot relish.
How long do the jars need to process in a water bath?
The sealed jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
What is the calorie count per serving?
The relish contains 180 calories per serving according to the provided nutritional data.
Is there any fat in this zucchini relish?
No, this recipe contains 0g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 45g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the relish?
Each serving contains 40g of sugar.
Does this relish provide any dietary fiber?
Yes, it provides 3g of fiber per serving.
What is the protein content of the relish?
The relish contains 1g of protein per serving.
Why is turmeric included in the ingredients?
Turmeric is added for both its distinct flavor and to provide a vibrant yellow color to the relish.
What are some serving suggestions for this relish?
It is ideal as a topping for hotdogs and hamburgers, or as a side with grilled meats.
Can this relish be stored for the winter?
Yes, the canning process allows you to enjoy the taste of summer zucchini during the winter months.
How should the sweet red peppers be prepared?
They should be seeded and finely chopped by hand.
What temperature should the oven be for heating jars?
The oven should be set to 225 degrees Fahrenheit (107 degrees Celsius).
What should I do after the jars have been in the oven for 10 minutes?
Turn off the oven and keep the jars inside until you are ready to fill them with the hot relish.