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Let's Talk about small batch recipes
Today, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite small batch recipes: zucchini relish. As someone who loves exploring new flavors in the kitchen, small batch recipes hold a special place in my heart for several reasons.
First and foremost, they provide the perfect opportunity to try out new recipes without the risk of wasting a bunch of ingredients on something that might not tickle your taste buds. We’ve all had those moments when a recipe seemed promising, only to realize it’s not exactly to our liking. With small batch recipes, you can experiment with flavors and techniques, knowing that even if it doesn’t turn out as expected, you haven’t wasted a significant amount of ingredients.
Another fantastic aspect of small batch recipes is their gift-giving potential. They allow you to create delightful homemade treats that make wonderful presents for friends, family, or even colleagues. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a heartfelt gesture, sharing your homemade zucchini relish with loved ones is sure to bring smiles and culinary joy.
Furthermore, small batch recipes come to the rescue when you find yourself with a random vegetable or two hanging out in your kitchen. Instead of letting those veggies go to waste, small batch recipes provide a fantastic way to put them to good use. In the case of zucchini relish, it’s the perfect solution for those bountiful zucchini harvests from your garden.
Speaking of gardens, let me just say that I being in my garden is my happy place. There’s something incredibly satisfying about tending to plants, watching them flourish, and then being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Canning and preserving my harvest allows me to extend that joy throughout the year. Stocking my pantry with jars of homemade zucchini relish not only keeps my taste buds happy, but also gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of small batch zucchini relish and experience the joys of homemade goodness, keep reading. I’ll be sharing my tried-and-true recipe along with some tips and tricks to ensure your relish turns out absolutely delicious. Get ready to savor the flavors and embark on a culinary adventure!
Zucchini Relish Recipe
For the preparation of this delightful zucchini relish, finely chopped vegetables are essential. While you have the option to manually chop them, I personally find using a food processor to be more convenient. Here’s my preferred method:
First, I start by cutting all the vegetables into manageable chunks. Then, I proceed to process them in batches using my trusty food processor. This nifty appliance effortlessly transforms the chunks into perfectly chopped pieces, saving me time and effort. The food processor’s precision and efficiency ensure a consistent texture for the relish, allowing all the flavors to meld together harmoniously. With this technique, you can achieve finely chopped vegetables without breaking a sweat, resulting in a relish that will impress both your taste buds and your guests.
The recipe below calls for half-pint or pint sized jars, but I have also used quarter-pint jars (4 oz.) as pictured. I like these to give as gifts and look so cute in a little basket filled with homemade treats.
SMALL BATCH ZUCCHINI RELISH RECIPE
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs zucchini 4 cups finely chopped
- 2 medium onions finely chopped
- 1 sweet red pepper finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pickling salt
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seed not celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- In a large non-reactive bowl (see notes), mix together the finely chopped zucchini, onion, and sweet pepper. Sprinkle the mixture with salt and stir it well. Allow it to stand for one hour.
- Drain the mixture through a sieve, rinse and drain again, pressing out excess water.
- In a large stainless steel saucepan, mix together the drained vegetables, sugar, vinegar, mustard, celery seed, hot pepper flakes, and turmeric. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered until the vegetables become tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes.
- Blend the tablespoon of cold water and cornstarch; stir. Add this mixture to the step above. Cook the combined ingredients for approximately 5 minutes, or until the liquid thickens and becomes clear. Make sure to stir frequently during this process.
- Ladle into hot, sterilized jars to within a 1/2″ of the rim. Wipe rims, add hot lids and rings.
- Process in boiling water bath 10 minutes for half-pint jars, 15 minutes for pint jars.
Notes
Ways to use zucchini relish
Zucchini relish is a versatile condiment that can elevate various dishes with its tangy and sweet flavors. Here are a few delightful ways to use zucchini relish:
Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread zucchini relish onto sandwiches or wraps for a burst of flavor. It pairs well with deli meats, cheeses, and even vegetarian fillings, adding a tangy and crunchy element to your favorite handheld meals.
Burgers and Hot Dogs: Top your grilled burgers or hot dogs with zucchini relish to enhance their taste. The relish’s sweet and tangy notes complement the savory flavors of the meat, creating a delicious combination.
Salads: Add zucchini relish as a vibrant and flavorful component to your salads. It works particularly well in potato salads, pasta salads, or green salads, providing a refreshing twist and a touch of acidity.
Tacos and Quesadillas: Incorporate zucchini relish into your tacos or quesadillas for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with various fillings, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables, enhancing the overall taste profile of your Mexican-inspired dishes.
Charcuterie and Cheese Boards: Include zucchini relish as a condiment on charcuterie and cheese boards. Its tangy and slightly sweet flavor adds a delightful contrast to rich cheeses and cured meats, providing a balanced and memorable bite.
Appetizers and Crostini: Use zucchini relish as a topping for appetizers and crostini. Its vibrant flavors can be a delightful addition to bruschetta, canapés, or as a condiment for cheese and cracker platters.
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Brush zucchini relish onto grilled or roasted vegetables before serving. It adds a tangy and sweet glaze, enhancing the natural flavors of the veggies and providing a caramelized finish.
Stir-Fries and Rice Bowls: Mix zucchini relish into stir-fries or rice bowls to infuse them with a burst of flavor. Its tangy and slightly sweet taste complements the savory elements of these dishes, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Remember, zucchini relish’s versatility allows you to get creative and explore various culinary possibilities. Don’t hesitate to experiment and discover new ways to enjoy this delightful condiment!
More to explore
Ready to dive deeper into the world of zucchini? Discover more articles packed with valuable information and delightful recipes! Whether you’re interested in growing zucchini in your own backyard or exploring a variety of mouthwatering zucchini recipes, there’s a whole treasure trove of knowledge waiting for you. Here are a few articles to get you started:
- How to Easily Grow Zucchini and Yellow Squash from Seed
- Best Zucchini Pie Recipe with All-Purpose Baking Mix
- The Best Recipe for Zucchini Bread
- Amazing Recipe for Zucchini Pancakes
- Crunchy Delights: Dehydrating Zucchini Chips for a Healthy Family Snack
LOVE SMALL BATCH RECIPES?
Here’s two tried and true favorites!
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