Homemade Zucchini Relish with Sweet Peppers: A Flavorful Condiment

There's something special about making your own condiments at home, and this zucchini relish with sweet peppers is no exception. With a balance of sweetness and tang, it adds a delightful burst of flavor to sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, or even as a side with grilled meats. This recipe is not only a great way to preserve the abundant zucchini and sweet peppers from your garden or the local market, but it also allows you to customize the relish to your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or trying your hand at preserving for the first time, this zucchini relish is a fantastic recipe to add to your collection.

Why You'll Love This Zucchini Relish with Sweet Peppers

Making zucchini relish with sweet peppers is a wonderful way to make use of fresh, seasonal produce, especially during the summer months when zucchinis and peppers are at their peak. The relish is easy to prepare, requires no special equipment, and can be stored in the fridge for weeks or canned for longer preservation. The combination of zucchinis, sweet peppers, and onions, combined with a flavorful brine of vinegar and spices, creates a relish that is sweet, tangy, and slightly crunchy – perfect for adding texture and taste to many dishes. It’s a great condiment to keep on hand for quick meal enhancements or even as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Recipe Overview

Recipe Name: Zucchini Relish with Sweet Peppers

Description: A delicious and versatile relish made with fresh zucchinis, sweet peppers, onions, and a flavorful vinegar-based brine. This sweet and tangy condiment is perfect for adding to sandwiches, burgers, or as a side for grilled dishes.

Ingredients List

• 4 cups grated zucchini (about 3 medium zucchinis)
• 2 cups diced sweet peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup salt
• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Substitutions: You can use white vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar for a slightly sharper flavor. For a sugar-free version, substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. If you prefer a spicier relish, add a diced jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Grate the zucchini and place it in a large bowl. Add the diced sweet peppers and finely chopped onion. Sprinkle the salt over the vegetables and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for 2 hours to draw out excess moisture.
2. Rinse and Drain: After 2 hours, transfer the vegetable mixture to a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt. Drain well, pressing down gently to remove any excess water.
3. Make the Brine: In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Cook the Relish: Add the drained vegetable mixture to the brine. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Jar the Relish: If you’re not canning, transfer the hot relish into sterilized jars and allow to cool before refrigerating. For canning, ladle the hot relish into hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims, apply the lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Tips: For a smoother relish, finely chop the vegetables in a food processor. If you don’t have canning jars, store the cooled relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including time to draw moisture from the zucchini)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Serving Suggestions

This zucchini relish with sweet peppers makes about 4 cups of relish, perfect for serving with a variety of dishes. It’s delicious on burgers, hot dogs, or as a sandwich spread. You can also use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or stir it into potato salad for a unique twist. If you’re a fan of cheese boards, add a spoonful of this relish alongside your favorite cheeses and crackers for a flavorful contrast.

Storage and Reheating

Store the zucchini relish in a sterilized jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If you decide to can the relish, it will last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, the canned relish should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks. There’s no need for reheating – just serve the relish cold or at room temperature as a condiment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this relish with other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to keep the total vegetable volume the same for the brine proportions to work correctly.

Why does the zucchini need to sit with salt?

Salting the zucchini helps draw out excess moisture, which prevents the relish from being too watery and helps concentrate the flavors.

Can I freeze the zucchini relish?

While it’s best to can the relish for long-term storage, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 6 months. Be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Conclusion

Homemade zucchini relish with sweet peppers is a flavorful and versatile condiment that adds a burst of sweetness and tang to any meal. Whether you’re using it to spice up your sandwiches, burgers, or salads, this relish is a delightful way to preserve the taste of summer. Easy to make and full of fresh flavors, it’s a great recipe to have in your collection. Try making this zucchini relish and let us know your favorite ways to enjoy it in the comments below. Happy preserving!