I plant zucchini every year, and this year I planted 3 different varieties. Even after making lots of chocolate zucchini cake, zucchini bread, fried zucchini, cheesy zucchini rice, and zucchini casserole, I have extra. I decided to try zucchini relish and I'm so glad that I did. We have used it on hot dogs, in tuna salad, and even in meatloaf. Here's the recipe. :)
adapted from manmadediy.com
12 cups zucchini, shredded
4 cups white onions, shredded
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, shredded
5 TBSP pickling salt
5 cups of sugar
2 1/2 cups vinegar
1 TBSP dry mustard
1 TBSP corn starch
3/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 TBSP red pepper flakes, optional
10-8 oz jars with screw bands and lids
1. Mix the veggies and pickling salt in a large bowl. Let sit at least 12 hours (or overnight). Drain the veggies in a colander; wash under cold water, then drain again thoroughly. Set aside.
2. In a large pot add sugar, vinegar, mustard, corn starch, turmeric, celery seed, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Add veggies to sauce and cook over low/medium heat for 25-30 minutes.
3. While relish is cooking, heat water in water bath canner or large pot to boiling. Place lids with rubber seal in a small bowl and add 1 cup of boiling water. Add empty jars and screw bands to the pot and boil for 10 minutes to sterilize. Remove jars and screw bands from pot and dry them with towel. When relish is ready, ladel it into the clean jars. Leave 1/4 - 1/2" of space at the top. Wipe jar rims and threads with a clean damp cloth. Cover with lid and screw bands on tightly. Place the filled jars into the canner. Water should cover jars by 1-2 inches. Bring to boil and process for 10 minutes. Carefully remove each jar and set aside for 12-24 hours to cool. Check tops of jars to make sure they have sealed by pressing middle of lids with finger. If lids do not spring back they have sealed properly. If they do spring back, refrigerate the jars. Makes about 10-8oz jars.
