This Grandma’s Classic Zucchini Relish is a sweet and tangy treat that pairs perfectly with burgers or hot dogs. Made from fresh zucchini, peppers, and spices, it’s a summer delight!
I love making this relish because it reminds me of summer days spent in the garden. Plus, it’s a great way to use up all that zucchini. Trust me, you’ll want a jar or two on hand! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of the show! Choose young, firm zucchinis for the best flavor. You can switch it up with yellow squash if you want a different color and taste.
Green Bell Pepper: This adds crunch and color. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, try using red or yellow bell peppers instead. They offer a nice contrast in flavor.
Onion: Onions are essential for depth. You can use sweet onions for a milder taste. If you’re sensitive to onions, green onions also work well.
White Vinegar: This gives that tangy kick. If you want a little more flavor, apple cider vinegar is a great substitute!
Granulated Sugar: The sweetness balances the vinegar. If you’re cutting back on sugar, try using honey or a sugar substitute, just remember to adjust to taste!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Relish?
The texture of relish is key to its enjoyment. To achieve this, make sure to chop your vegetables finely and drain them well after salting. Here’s how:
- After chopping, salt the vegetables and let them rest. This process pulls out excess moisture, preventing your relish from being watery.
- Drain thoroughly and press gently to remove any remaining liquid before adding them to the vinegar mix.
Your relish will end up being thick and flavorful! Personal tip: I like to use a mix of different colored bell peppers for a more visually appealing relish.
Grandma’s Classic Zucchini Relish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 6 cups finely chopped zucchini (about 6 medium zucchinis)
- 2 cups finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
Pickling Brine:
- 1 1/2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep the vegetables and approximately 30 minutes to cook and process, plus you’ll want to let the relish sit in a cool, dark place for at least 1 week to develop the best flavors. So, in total, it’s about 45 minutes of active cooking time and then some waiting for the magic to happen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing your zucchinis, bell peppers, and onion. Finely chop all the vegetables. A food processor is your best friend for this—it makes the chopping super easy and uniform!
2. Sweeten and Drain:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. Sprinkle the veggies with salt and mix well. Let this mixture sit for 1 to 2 hours. This step draws out the excess moisture, making sure your relish isn’t watery.
3. Drain the Mix:
After the sitting time, drain the vegetables in a colander, pressing gently to remove any additional liquid. You want your relish to be thick and flavorful!
4. Cook the Brine:
In a large pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric. Bring this mixture to a boil, and stir continuously until the sugar has fully dissolved—this gives your relish that sweet and tangy flavor.
5. Add the Vegetables:
Add the drained vegetable mixture to the boiling brine. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Jar the Relish:
Using a ladle, carefully fill sterilized jars with the hot relish, leaving about a 1/2 inch of space at the top. This headspace is important for sealing!
7. Seal and Process:
Wipe the rims of the jars to make sure there are no residues that could prevent sealing. Add the lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they’re sealed properly.
8. Store and Enjoy:
Once jars have been processed, carefully remove them and let them cool completely. Store in a cool, dark place. For the best flavor, allow the relish to sit for at least 1 week before enjoying. It’s perfect on sandwiches, burgers, or as a side with your favorite meals!
Enjoy your wonderful homemade Grandma’s Classic Zucchini Relish! It’s a recipe that brings warmth and flavor to any dish! 🥒✨
FAQ for Grandma’s Classic Zucchini Relish
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in other vegetables such as grated carrots or chopped celery to add more texture and flavor. Just make sure to keep the overall volume similar for the best results.
How Should I Store the Zucchini Relish?
Store your completed relish in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place. If sealed properly through the water bath process, it can last up to a year! Once opened, keep it in the fridge and use within a month.
Can I Reduce the Sugar in This Recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar if you’d like! Just remember that it may alter the flavor balance, so start by reducing the sugar by a quarter and adjust to your taste from there.
How Long Should the Relish Sit Before Using?
For the best flavor, let the relish sit for at least 1 week before using. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. However, it can be enjoyed sooner if you’re in a hurry!