Zesty Zucchini Relish
Transform your surplus zucchini into a flavorful surprise with this Zesty Zucchini Relish! Perfectly spiced and surprisingly similar to traditional cucumber relish, this condiment is a must-have for summer barbecues and picnics. This relish not only wonderfully complements hamburgers and hotdogs but also adds a delightful twist to sandwiches, salads, and even grilled vegetables. With its tangy vinegar base and hint of sweetness, each spoonful bursts with flavor, making it a fantastic addition to your pantry that will make you rethink how you use zucchini.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground or grated zucchini
5 cups (Ground or grated)
Ground or grated onions
3 cups (Ground or grated)
Finely chopped celery
2 cups (Finely chopped)
Red or green bell peppers
2 (Grated)
Salt
1/2 cup ( )
Water
1 1/2 quarts ( )
White vinegar
1 quart ( )
Sugar
3 cups ( )
Mustard seed
2 teaspoons ( )
Celery seeds
2 tablespoons ( )
Garlic cloves
2-3 (Minced)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the ground or grated zucchini, ground or grated onions, finely chopped celery, and grated bell peppers.
2
Add the salt and water to the vegetable mixture, cover, and refrigerate overnight to allow the vegetables to soften and release moisture.
3
The next day, drain the liquid from the vegetables and set aside.
4
In a large pot, heat the vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, and celery seeds over medium heat until it begins to boil.
5
Once boiling, add the drained vegetable mixture to the pot, stir well, and bring back to a gentle boil.
6
Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7
Carefully ladle the hot relish into sterilized canning jars, leaving a headspace of about 1/2 inch. Wipe the rims with a clean cloth, seal with sterilized lids, and process in a hot water bath to seal properly.
8
Allow to cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place. Enjoy the relish on burgers, hotdogs, or as a flavorful addition to various dishes!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Zucchini Relish?
It is a flavorful condiment made from zucchini that is similar to traditional cucumber relish, featuring a tangy vinegar base and a hint of sweetness.
What are the primary vegetables used in this recipe?
The relish is made using 5 cups of zucchini, 3 cups of onions, 2 cups of celery, and 2 bell peppers.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be either ground or grated before starting the recipe.
What can I serve with this zucchini relish?
It is excellent on hamburgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, salads, and grilled vegetables.
Why do the vegetables need to sit overnight?
Refrigerating the vegetables overnight with salt and water allows them to soften and release their natural moisture.
How much salt is required for the soaking process?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of salt to be added to the vegetable mixture during the overnight soak.
What type of vinegar is used in the brine?
This recipe uses 1 quart of white vinegar for the tangy base.
How much sugar is in the Zesty Zucchini Relish?
The recipe requires 3 cups of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Which spices provide the characteristic relish flavor?
The relish is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of mustard seed and 2 tablespoons of celery seeds.
Is garlic included in this relish recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves for added flavor.
How long should the relish be simmered?
Once the mixture returns to a gentle boil, it should be simmered for 10 minutes.
What is the recommended headspace for canning the jars?
You should leave a headspace of approximately 1/2 inch when filling the canning jars.
Do I need to process the jars in a water bath?
Yes, the jars should be processed in a hot water bath to ensure they seal properly for long-term storage.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 5 servings, depending on the jar sizes used.
What type of bell peppers can I use?
The recipe suggests using either red or green bell peppers, which should be grated.
What should I do after the jars have cooled?
Once cooled completely, the jars should be stored in a cool, dark place.
How do I prepare the celery?
The 2 cups of celery should be finely chopped before being added to the mixture.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including vegetables, liquids, and spices.
Should the onions be chopped or grated?
The recipe specifies that the onions should be ground or grated.
Do I use the soaking liquid in the final relish?
No, you should drain the liquid from the vegetables the next day and set the vegetables aside before adding them to the brine.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
Is it necessary to wipe the jar rims?
Yes, wipe the rims with a clean cloth before sealing with lids to ensure a proper vacuum seal.
What amount of water is needed for the initial soak?
You will need 1 1/2 quarts of water to mix with the salt and vegetables.
How often should I stir the relish while simmering?
You should stir occasionally to ensure even cooking throughout the 10-minute simmer.
Can this relish be used in salads?
Yes, it adds a delightful twist and extra flavor when mixed into various salads.
What are the common tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include zucchini, relish, condiment, canning, summer recipes, and vegetable preserves.
What kind of jars should I use?
You should use sterilized canning jars with matching sterilized lids.
Does this recipe use ground spices?
It uses whole mustard seeds and celery seeds rather than ground powders.
Is the relish boiled before or after adding vegetables?
The vinegar and sugar mixture is brought to a boil first, then the vegetables are added and brought back to a boil.
How does this relish rethink the use of zucchini?
It transforms surplus garden zucchini into a flavorful, long-lasting condiment that mimics traditional cucumber preserves.