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–+ servings
Zucchini Relish from Barb Sparks
This vibrant zucchini relish is a delightful way to use up surplus summer squash. With sweet peppers and onions, the relish strikes a perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Ideal for topping hot dogs, burgers, or sandwiches, it's a classic homemade condiment that bursts with flavor. Its roots trace back to homesteaders and gardeners who needed a flavorful way to preserve fresh harvests. Loved for its nostalgic taste and colorful presentation, it’s a pantry staple in many households during canning season.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10 pint jars
Calories 549 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 cups zucchini (shredded)
  • 4 cups onions (ground/coarsely chopped)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 hot pepper (or 2 cups chopped mixed peppers)
  • 5 tbsp plain salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 ½ cups vinegar
  • 6 cups sugar
  • 2 tbsp dry mustard
  • ¾ tsp nutmeg
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¾ tsp turmeric
  • 1 ½ tsp celery salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Salt the Vegetables

  • Combine shredded zucchini, onions, peppers, and plain salt in a large bowl.
  • Mix well and let sit overnight.

Step 2: Drain and Prepare

  • In the morning, drain off the vegetable juice thoroughly.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Cook

  • In a large pot, combine drained vegetables, black pepper, vinegar, sugar, mustard, nutmeg, cornstarch, turmeric, and celery salt.
  • Stir well and cook slowly over medium heat for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Can and Seal

  • Ladle the hot relish into sterilized pint jars.
  • Seal tightly and allow to cool. Store in a cool, dark place.

Tips

  • Use a food processor to speed up shredding/chopping.
  • Substitute yellow squash for up to half the zucchini.
  • Add jalapeños for a spicy variation.
  • Replace some sugar with honey for a different sweetness profile.
  • For stronger color, add extra red or green peppers.
  • If making shelf-stable jars, follow USDA-approved water bath canning procedures.
  • Reduce sugar by 25% if you prefer a more tangy relish.
  • Add mustard seeds or celery seeds for deeper pickling flavor.
  • Use apple cider vinegar for a sweeter, fruitier taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 549kcalCarbohydrates: 135gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 3856mgPotassium: 563mgFiber: 3gSugar: 127gVitamin A: 759IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 1mg
Keyword canning, condiment, garden produce, homemade relish, old fashioned, summer preserving, vintage recipe, zucchini recipe
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