Grandma’s Zucchini Relish Recipe

Introduction

Discovering Grandma’s Classic Recipe

Grandma’s zucchini relish recipe is one of those timeless dishes that instantly reminds one of warm summer memories and garden-fresh vegetables. This homemade relish is perfect for adding a sweet and savory kick to burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or even just as a side dish. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with a touch of nostalgia makes this a must-try for any food lover looking to preserve the essence of seasonal produce.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

What You’ll Need for This Incredible Relish

zucchini – 10 cups, finely chopped
onions – 4 cups, finely chopped
red bell peppers – 2 cups, diced
green bell peppers – 2 cups, diced
kosher salt – half a cup
sugar – 6 cups
apple cider vinegar – 4 cups
ground turmeric – 2 teaspoons
dry mustard – 2 teaspoons
celery seed – 2 tablespoons
ground nutmeg – 1 tablespoon

Prep Time

How Much Time You’ll Need to Get Everything Ready

Preparing this recipe takes approximately 1 hour. This includes chopping the vegetables, mixing, and letting the ingredients sit as required. This step is crucial for softening the flavors and ensuring your relish has the perfect texture.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Finalizing and Yielding Grandma’s Signature Relish

The cooking process itself takes about 30 minutes, with a total time of 1.5 hours to complete the recipe from start to finish. When made as per the provided measurements, you can expect a yield of seven to eight pints of delicious zucchini relish. A perfect amount to store for yourself or share with loved ones!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash the zucchinis, peppers, and onions thoroughly under running water.
2. Finely chop or shred the zucchini, red bell peppers, and onions using a sharp knife or a food processor. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Salt the Mixture

1. Place the chopped zucchini, peppers, and onions in a large mixing bowl.
2. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the vegetable mixture.
3. Stir well to mix the salt thoroughly with the vegetables. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 4 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Rinse and Drain

1. After the salting period, transfer the vegetable mixture into a colander.
2. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt.
3. Using your hands or a clean cloth, gently squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the vegetables. Set them aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Vinegar Mixture

1. In a large stockpot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, ground turmeric, and ground nutmeg.
2. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and distribute the spices evenly.
3. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Cook the Relish

1. Add the drained vegetable mixture to the vinegar and spice solution in the stockpot.
2. Stir thoroughly to combine. Let the mixture cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Sterilize the Jars

1. While the relish is cooking, sterilize canning jars, lids, and bands in boiling water for 10 minutes. Allow them to dry on a clean towel.

Step 7: Fill the Jars

1. Carefully ladle the hot relish into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
2. Remove air bubbles by running a small knife or a bubble remover tool along the side of the jar.
3. Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.

Step 8: Seal and Process

1. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
2. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them. Adjust processing time based on altitude if necessary.
3. Carefully remove the jars and let them cool completely on a towel or cooling rack.

Step 9: Check the Seals

1. Once the jars have cooled, press the center of each lid to ensure it has sealed properly. The lid should not pop back when pressed.
2. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.

Notes

Note 1: Choosing Zucchini

For the best results, use fresh, firm zucchini. Avoid overly large zucchinis as they may have tough seeds and a spongy texture.

Note 2: Adjusting Sweetness

You can adjust the sugar level according to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet relish, reduce the sugar slightly.

Note 3: Storage

Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.

Note 4: Safety Tip

Ensure to follow proper canning procedures to avoid contamination or spoilage. If in doubt, consult a reliable canning guide for water bath canning.

Note 5: Serving Suggestions

This zucchini relish is perfect for topping burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches. It can also be used as a flavorful addition to salads or as a tangy dip.
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Cook Techniques

Preparing the Vegetables

Take the time to finely dice the zucchini, onion, and bell peppers evenly for the relish. Chopping the vegetables uniformly helps ensure the relish has an ideal texture and consistency when canned.

Salting and Draining the Vegetables

After chopping, it’s important to mix the vegetables with salt and let them sit overnight. This step draws out excess moisture, preventing the relish from becoming watery and improving its overall flavor.

Using a Colander and Rinsing

Make sure to use a colander to properly drain the salted vegetables after they have rested. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove the excess salt before moving to the cooking process.

Simmering the Relish

When cooking the relish with sugar, vinegar, and spices, let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and ensure all ingredients blend well together, creating a flavorful and uniform mixture.

Proper Canning Techniques

For storing the relish, carefully sterilize glass jars and lids before use. Use a boiling water bath to process the filled jars, ensuring they are sealed properly for safe, long-term storage.

FAQ

Can I use a food processor to chop the vegetables?

Yes, you can use a food processor, but be cautious not to over-process, which can lead to overly mushy vegetables. Aim for a finely diced texture rather than a puree.

How long should the jars of relish be processed in a water bath?

The jars should typically be processed in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes. This ensures the relish is properly sealed and preserved.

How long does it take for the flavors to develop after canning?

It’s best to let the relish sit for at least 1-2 weeks after processing. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, improving the overall taste.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

While you can adjust the sugar slightly, reducing it too much may affect the balance of flavors and preservation process.

How do I know if my jars are properly sealed?

You’ll know the jars are sealed correctly if the lids have a slight downward indentation when cooled. If the lid pops when pressed, the jar is not sealed properly and should be refrigerated or reprocessed.

What’s the shelf life of canned zucchini relish?

Stored in a cool, dark place, the relish can last up to 12 months. Ensure the lids remain sealed and check for any signs of spoilage before use.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Zucchini Relish is not only a treasured recipe passed down through generations, but it also serves as a versatile addition to countless dishes. Its sweet and tangy flavor can elevate a simple meal or add an unexpected twist to your favorite recipes. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up an abundant zucchini harvest and create a homemade staple that will bring flavor to your meals throughout the year.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Potato Salad with a Relish Twist

Incorporate Grandma’s Zucchini Relish into your potato salad for an added layer of sweetness and crunch. It pairs perfectly with creamy mayonnaise and tender potatoes for an elevated classic dish.

Burger Toppings

Top grilled burgers with a generous spoon of zucchini relish. Its tangy sweetness complements the savory flavor of beef, turkey, or veggie patties.

Deviled Eggs with a Flavor Kick

Mix a bit of the relish into the yolk mixture for deviled eggs. This combination creates a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors.

Sandwich Spread Enhancement

Blend zucchini relish into mayonnaise to make a flavorful spread for sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. It can transform even the most basic lunch into something special.

Relish-Enhanced Pasta Salad

Add the relish to cold pasta salads for a pop of flavor that will leave your guests asking for the recipe. It pairs particularly well with dill, mustard, or vinaigrette-based dressings.

Perfect Hot Dog or Bratwurst Topper

Use the relish as a topping for hot dogs or bratwursts at your next cookout. It’s a crowd-pleasing way to add some zest to these grill favorites.

Cheese Board Accompaniment

Serve the relish alongside hard cheeses, crackers, and cured meats on a charcuterie board. It’s a surprising addition that can enhance the overall flavor variety.