This recipe is perfect for preserving summer zucchini and makes a delicious condiment for burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches!
Steps
# How to Make Homemade Sweet Zucchini Relish: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking for a delicious way to use up your garden zucchini, this **homemade sweet zucchini relish** recipe is perfect! Packed with flavor and easy to make, this relish is a versatile condiment for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and more. Follow these detailed steps to create a batch of this **zucchini relish** that will impress your family and friends.
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## **Ingredients for Sweet Zucchini Relish**
- 6 cups grated zucchini (about 3 medium zucchinis)
- 2 cups grated onion (about 2 medium onions)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pickling salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**
1. Wash and grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
2. Peel and grate the onions.
3. Finely chop the red and green bell peppers.
### **Step 2: Salt and Drain the Vegetables**
1. In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, onions, and chopped peppers.
2. Sprinkle the pickling salt over the vegetables and mix well.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit for 2 hours to draw out excess moisture.
4. After 2 hours, rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt. Drain well and squeeze out any remaining liquid using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
### **Step 3: Cook the Relish**
1. In a large pot, combine the sugar, white vinegar, celery seed, mustard seed, turmeric, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the drained vegetables to the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the relish thickens slightly.
### **Step 4: Can the Relish**
1. Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
2. Carefully ladle the hot relish into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
3. Wipe the jar rims with a clean cloth, place the lids on, and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
4. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them properly.
### **Step 5: Cool and Store**
1. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a towel-lined countertop.
2. Check the seals after 24 hours—if the lids don’t pop, they’re sealed correctly.
3. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.
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## **Tips for Perfect Zucchini Relish**
- Use fresh, firm zucchini for the best texture.
- Adjust the sugar and vinegar to suit your taste—more sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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This **sweet zucchini relish** is a fantastic way to preserve your summer harvest. With its vibrant color and tangy-sweet flavor, it’s sure to become a pantry staple. Try this recipe today and enjoy the taste of homemade goodness!