Description
This Zucchini Relish is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy condiment made from finely chopped zucchini, onions, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Perfect as a flavorful topping or side, it combines the crisp freshness of vegetables with a warm blend of spices and apple cider vinegar, simmered to develop a deep, rich taste. With a quick preparation and a few hours of refrigeration to meld flavors, this relish is an easy way to brighten sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 Cups zucchini, finely chopped
- 2 yellow onions, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
Seasonings & Vinegar
- 2 Teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ Cups apple cider vinegar
- ½ Teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 Teaspoons mustard seed
- ½ Teaspoon celery seed
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Dice Vegetables: Finely dice or use a food processor to chop the zucchini, yellow onions, red bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper until evenly small.
- Combine and Salt: Place the diced vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Add kosher salt and stir thoroughly to evenly incorporate the salt, which will draw out moisture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the vegetables to soften and release their juices.
- Drain Vegetables: After refrigeration, drain the vegetables using a colander to remove excess liquid, then transfer them to a large Dutch oven or stock pot for cooking.
- Add Seasonings and Boil: Pour in granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground turmeric, mustard seed, celery seed, and black pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the relish simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors and thicken the mixture slightly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pot from heat and allow the relish to cool for about 5 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Jar the Relish: Carefully ladle the warm relish into 3 sterilized mason jars, filling them evenly.
- Seal and Store: Cover the jars with lids and store the relish in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 weeks, maintaining flavor and freshness.
Notes
- For softer relish, dice vegetables very finely or pulse in a food processor.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity based on preferred spice level.
- Use sterilized jars to extend storage life safely.
- Letting the mixture cool briefly before jar filling prevents jar damage from heat.
- This relish pairs wonderfully with sandwiches, grilled meats, or as a topping for burgers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
