Zucchini relish with sweet peppers –Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this homemade Zucchini Relish recipe. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that can elevate sandwiches, burgers, or simply serve as a side to any meal. This relish is not only a great way to utilize an abundance of zucchini but also a fantastic option for preserving the harvest. Below, we detail the preparation steps along with the necessary ingredients.
Zucchini Relish Image
This homemade Zucchini Relish is visually appealing and packed with flavors. The vibrant colors from the vegetables make it a lovely addition to your table.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of finely grated zucchini
- 2 cups of finely chopped onions
- 1 cup of finely chopped bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 ½ cups of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Begin by washing the zucchini thoroughly. Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a large bowl and mix in the salt. Let it sit for about 1-2 hours to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, drain and rinse the zucchini well to remove excess salt.
- In a separate large pot, combine the drained zucchini, chopped onions, and bell peppers. Stir in the sugar and apple cider vinegar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- Add the mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger (if using) to the pot. Continue to cook the relish for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- If a thicker relish is desired, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold water and add it to the pot. This should be done in the last few minutes of cooking to achieve the desired consistency.
- Once the relish reaches your preferred thickness, remove it from heat and carefully ladle the hot mixture into sterilized jars, leaving about a half-inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal them with lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to ensure they are preserved properly. Let the jars cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Enjoy your homemade Zucchini Relish as a zesty condiment that complements a variety of dishes or as a delightful gift for friends and family.