Yellow Summer Squash Relish is a delightful and vibrant condiment that captures the essence of the growing season. Bursting with flavors and colors, this incredible relish is eagerly awaited by friends and family, especially when it’s time for hot dogs and barbecues. Created with shredded yellow summer squash, onions, green peppers, and a perfect blend of seasonings, this relish is a versatile addition to a variety of dishes. Its sweet and tangy taste elevates the simplest of meals, adding a burst of freshness and excitement.
INGREDIENTS:
- 10 cups shredded yellow summer squash (about 4 pounds)
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 1 large green pepper, chopped
- 6 tablespoons canning salt
- 4 cups sugar
- 3 cups cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon each celery seed, ground mustard, and ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large container, combine the shredded squash, onions, green pepper, and canning salt. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Drain the squash mixture; rinse and drain again.
- In a Dutch oven, combine the sugar, cider vinegar, and all the seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the drained squash mixture to the Dutch oven and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Carefully ladle the hot relish mixture into six hot pint jars, leaving ½-inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles, wipe the jar rims, and adjust the lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling-water canner for 15 minutes.
YIELD: 6 pints
MARINATING PROCESS: 1 hour + 15 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS:
- Ensure the squash, onions, and green peppers are shredded and chopped uniformly for even cooking and a consistent texture.
- The marinating process in salt helps draw out excess moisture from the vegetables, resulting in a firmer relish.
- Use canning salt specifically to prevent clouding of the brine and to maintain the relish’s visual appeal.
- When canning the relish, follow appropriate processing times based on your altitude to ensure safety and proper preservation.
Yellow Summer Squash Relish is a delightful culinary creation that transforms the abundance of summer squash into a tangy and flavorful condiment. Perfect for adding a pop of color and taste to a variety of dishes, this relish is eagerly anticipated by friends and family alike. The combination of shredded yellow summer squash, onions, green peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices results in a relish that beautifully complements hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Preparing this relish is a straightforward process that begins with marinating the vegetables overnight to achieve optimal texture and taste. The canning salt helps to draw out excess moisture, ensuring the relish retains its delightful crunch. The addition of cider vinegar, sugar, and a medley of seasonings creates a balance of sweet and tangy flavors that make this relish truly irresistible.
Yellow Summer Squash Relish is a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The canned jars provide a long shelf life, allowing you to savor the taste of summer even during colder months. Its vibrant colors and zesty taste make it an excellent gift to share with friends and loved ones during special occasions.
When canning the relish, it’s essential to follow the recommended processing times based on your altitude to ensure safety and proper preservation. This guarantees that the relish remains delicious and shelf-stable for months to come.
So, the next time the growing season arrives, don’t miss the opportunity to create this incredible Yellow Summer Squash Relish. With its delightful blend of flavors and stunning appearance, it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, picnic, or simply dressing up a weeknight meal, this relish is bound to be a hit.
