This Tangy Zucchini Relish is a sweet, zesty homemade condiment perfect for summer zucchini and canning season. Made with fresh zucchini, onions, and bell peppers, it’s combined with vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric to create a flavorful relish that balances sweetness with tang.
This recipe is straightforward and ideal for preserving garden zucchini for months. It’s delicious as a topping for burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches, making it a versatile staple in any homemade pantry.
Overview of Tangy Zucchini Relish
Tangy Zucchini Relish is a delightful condiment that brings a burst of flavor to any dish. This vibrant green relish is made from finely chopped zucchini, onions, and bell peppers, creating a sweet and tangy profile that pairs perfectly with summer meals.
Ideal for canning, this relish is a fantastic way to preserve the bounty of your garden. Whether you’re looking to enhance burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches, this homemade zucchini relish recipe is versatile and easy to prepare.
Fresh Ingredients for a Flavorful Relish
The key to a great Zucchini Relish lies in the freshness of its ingredients. Using garden-fresh zucchini, onions, and bell peppers ensures that every jar is packed with flavor. The addition of vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess.
When selecting your vegetables, look for firm zucchinis and vibrant bell peppers. This will not only enhance the taste but also the visual appeal of your relish.
Simple Steps to Make Your Own Zucchini Relish
Making this relish is straightforward and can be accomplished in just a few hours. Start by finely chopping your vegetables and allowing them to sit with salt to draw out moisture. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your final product.
After draining the vegetables, combine them with the other ingredients in a large pot. Simmer the mixture until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. This process typically takes about 30-40 minutes.
Canning Your Zucchini Relish
Once your relish is ready, the next step is canning. Sterilizing your jars and lids is essential for preserving the relish safely. Fill the hot jars with the relish, leaving some headspace, and seal them properly.
Processing the jars in a boiling water bath ensures they are sealed correctly, allowing you to store them for months. This easy canning method makes it simple to enjoy your homemade zucchini relish throughout the year.
Serving Suggestions and Uses
Tangy Zucchini Relish is incredibly versatile. Use it as a topping for grilled meats, mix it into salads, or serve it alongside cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer. Its sweet and tangy flavor complements a variety of dishes, making it a staple in any homemade pantry.
Consider adding this relish to your next summer barbecue or picnic. It’s sure to impress your guests and elevate your meals with its unique taste.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once canned, your Zucchini Relish can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Always check the seals before using, and if any jars are unsealed, store them in the refrigerator and consume them within a few weeks.
This relish not only makes for a great addition to your meals but also serves as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Share the joy of your culinary creation with others!
Easy Homemade Zucchini Relish Recipe
This Zucchini Relish features finely chopped vegetables simmered in a sweet and tangy mixture, then preserved using an easy canning method. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields several jars, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the year.
Ingredients
- 4 cups zucchini, finely chopped
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the zucchini, onion, and bell pepper. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 1 hour to draw out moisture, then drain.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the drained vegetables with vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Stir well.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the mixture thickens.
- Prepare for Canning: Sterilize canning jars and lids in boiling water. Fill the hot jars with the relish, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal with lids.
- Process the Jars: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly. Remove from the water and let cool completely.
- Store: Once cooled, check the seals and store the jars in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your homemade zucchini relish on burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: Makes about 6 jars
- Calories: 50kcal per tablespoon
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g