Zucchini Sweet Relish
Zucchini Sweet Relish offers a vibrant blend of ground zucchini and onions combined with a sweet and tangy vinegar-based sauce. Its bold flavors make it a perfect condiment for sandwiches, hot dogs, or as a side dish, appealing to those who enjoy homemade, flavorful preserves with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put zucchini and onion slices through a food grinder.
- Mix well with 5 tablespoons salt; let stand overnight.
- Rinse with cold water.
- Drain well in a colander or sieve.
- In a large kettle, mix vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, nutmeg, cornstarch, turmeric, celery seed, and black pepper.
- Cook until it starts to thicken.
- Add ground vegetables and mix well.
- Cook slowly for 30 minutes.
- Can it hot, sterilizing jars at once.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch more nutmeg or experimenting with different colored bell peppers. For a spicier version, diced jalapeños can be added. If fresh zucchini isn't available, frozen can work in a pinch, just ensure it's well-drained. Remember to sterilize jars properly to ensure longevity for your relish.
Serving Suggestions
Zucchini sweet relish is perfect as a condiment for grilled meats or as a vibrant topping for burgers. It pairs beautifully with Christmas Eve Simple Shepherd'S Pie and is also fantastic on sandwiches or with cheese platters. Try serving it alongside a fresh Cool Mandarin Salad for a refreshing meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store the zucchini sweet relish in sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to a month. For longer storage, keep the jars in a cool, dark place after canning. Reheat gently on the stove if desired, or enjoy it cold right from the jar.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Sweet Relish contains roughly 259 calories, with 3g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini in this relish. It will provide a slightly different flavor and color but should work well in the recipe. Just ensure it's sliced and ground similarly for the best texture.
How long does the relish last once opened?
Once opened, the zucchini sweet relish can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming, such as off smells or discoloration.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar to suit your taste, but be aware that it may alter the final flavor and preservation qualities of the relish. For a healthier option, consider using natural sweeteners like honey or agave.
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).