Zucchini Relish(Makes 8 Pints)
A tangy, sweet zucchini relish with vibrant bell peppers and warming spices, perfect as a condiment for summer meals or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the ground zucchini, ground onions, and salt in a large bowl and let set overnight.
- The next day, drain excess liquid if necessary.
- In a large pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, green and red bell peppers, celery seed, nutmeg, turmeric, and corn syrup.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Add the drained zucchini and onions to the boiling mixture.
- Simmer until the relish thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Pour hot relish into sterilized jars, seal, and process in a boiling water bath for preservation.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother relish, consider using a food processor to grind the vegetables finely. If you're looking for a lower-sodium option, reduce the salt and increase the vinegar slightly to maintain flavor. You can also substitute the green bell pepper with yellow or orange for a slightly sweeter taste. Make sure to sterilize jars properly to ensure preservation.
Serving Suggestions
Zucchini relish makes a great condiment for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for burgers. It pairs beautifully with Cowboy Pinto Beans for a hearty meal. Try serving it alongside a cheese platter or as part of a Texas Fruit Tray for a refreshing contrast. It can also be enjoyed as a tangy addition to salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the relish in the refrigerator and consume within a month. To reheat, spoon out the desired amount into a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Relish(Makes 8 Pints) contains roughly 767 calories, with 9g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (228% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1208mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this relish?
Absolutely! You can experiment with adding finely grated carrots or even chopped cucumbers for extra crunch. Just remember to keep the overall vegetable volume similar to maintain the right consistency and flavor balance in your zucchini relish.
How long does the relish need to simmer?
The relish should simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently to prevent sticking. The goal is to allow the flavors to meld while achieving a somewhat syrupy consistency without overcooking.
What do I do if my relish is too watery?
If your relish turns out too watery, continue to simmer it uncovered for a bit longer, allowing the excess liquid to evaporate. You can also add a bit more sugar or vinegar to balance the flavors while thickening the mixture simultaneously.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).