It’s that time of the year again, the sun is shining and the courgettes/zucchini just keep on coming! This relish has become one of my yearly summer recipes to get rid of use up a few of the many courgettes that come my way! I’ve tried various recipes over the last few summers and this is a combination of those.
It makes a sweet relish that goes well in any sandwich containing meat or cheese, it would be perfect with hotdogs if you eat them. These days I don’t eat hotdogs but loved them growing up in America and even more so I loved the (bright green!) relish that we had with them. I believe we used to have Heinz sweet relish, something I’ve only found once in the UK. My label reading habit would now have me leaving it on the shelf if I did find it again and anyhow this version of relish is just as sweet but a whole lot more natural! When the last jar gets finished, usually at the beginning of Spring I find myself feeling a little sad and believe it or not I momentarily begin to look forward to the courgette glut again just to make more of this relish!
Courgette/Zucchini Relish
ingredients
- 3 lb grated courgettes
- 1.5 lbs peeled and finely chopped onion
- 3 oz salt
- 2 red peppers (or 1 red, 1 green)
- 590 mls white vinegar
- 2.5 lbs sugar (I use unrefined)
- 1.5 tsp celery seed
- 1 tsp mustard seed
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp black pepper
method
- Grate the courgettes and finely chop the onions ( I use a food processor for this, much easier if you have one). Put both the courgettes and the onions in a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt, mix the salt evenly throughout, its easiest to just use your hands here! Cover and leave for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight in the fridge although beware of leaving it in the fridge as the onions smell very strongly.
- Drain the courgettes and onion in a colander, rinse well with cold water then squeeze out the excess water, again hands are best for this!
- Put the chopped peppers, vinegar,sugar and spices into a large pan, stir well.
- Add the drained courgettes and onion. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Carefully fill your sterilised jars with the relish. Screw on the lids and process for 10 minutes in a water bath. If unsure of canning procedures see here
Tip
You will get 5-7 jars of relish depending on your jar size.
#1 by Wendy Read (@Sunchowder) on August 15, 2013 - 13:37
Oh yes! LOVE Relish 🙂 We used to buy the Heinz India Relish, alas now too, I make my own. Your recipe looks so tasty Jayne and gorgeous pic too!
#2 by Jayne on August 15, 2013 - 16:48
Thanks Wendy, ah the good ol days!
#3 by Lizthechef on August 15, 2013 - 15:32
I make relish year round, using a version of Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s recipe. Folks seem to love it – I know we do. Will try your recipe next time.
#4 by Jayne on August 15, 2013 - 16:47
Yes, Mrs Wheelbarrow’s recipe was the first one I tried! Although I use zucchini rather than cucumbers
#5 by katiezeller on August 17, 2013 - 19:32
I haven’t made relish in years – and never with courgette. Great recipe, thanks!
#6 by Jayne on August 18, 2013 - 18:20
Thanks for commenting! I wanted to make relish and had so many courgettes I decided to use those rather than cucumbers, was curious to see how it worked. I’m glad I did as it works well!
#7 by Charlotte @charlottekdiary on August 17, 2013 - 19:38
This sounds amazing Jayne! I have never tried this before but am really interested to! Another fab recipe : )
#8 by Jayne on August 18, 2013 - 18:17
Thanks for your comment, it is a great way to use up some courgettes and does taste really good!
#9 by Liz on August 19, 2013 - 06:07
wow–tasty and so pretty 🙂 Love the colors of summer produce. Keeper recipe for sure. I think I’d just eat it straight from the jar!
#10 by Jayne on August 19, 2013 - 08:37
Thank you! It is sweet enough to eat from the jar!
#11 by Monica on September 6, 2013 - 10:35
I am DYING to make this. I don’t have proper canning equipment, though. How long do you think it’ll keep without the water bath?
#12 by Jayne on September 6, 2013 - 10:53
In UK canning isn’t so popular- my friends that make jam & chutney keep their stuff for around a year without canning- they are all healthy! I don’t have much equipment, just use my stockpot to do my canning, works well! Thanks for commenting!
#13 by Monica on September 6, 2013 - 11:28
Thanks. Very useful. 🙂
#14 by VAL MACKENZIE on September 15, 2015 - 05:42
Wow! This looks Delicious.
Thnx for the recipe.