Discover the delightful taste of summer with Wilma Hershberger's Homemade Cucumber Relish! This vibrant, tangy condiment is the perfect addition to your favorite sandwiches, burgers, and picnic spreads. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a batch of this mouthwatering relish that will have your taste buds dancing. Imagine the satisfaction of enjoying a homemade relish crafted from crisp cucumbers, zesty onions, and colorful green peppers—it's a culinary adventure you won't want to miss! Dive into our recipe and unlock the secrets to making this delicious American classic that will elevate your meals and impress your guests!
Ingredients
- Cucumbers
- Onions
- Green peppers
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Mustard seed
- Turmeric
Instructions
- Wash and finely chop cucumbers, onions, and green peppers into small, uniform pieces. Ensure vegetables are clean and free from blemishes.
- Place chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle generously with salt. Allow mixture to sit for approximately 2 hours to draw out excess moisture, which helps concentrate the flavors.
- After 2 hours, drain the vegetables thoroughly using a colander. Gently press to remove additional liquid, ensuring the mixture is not too wet.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, and turmeric. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring consistently until sugar completely dissolves.
- Add the drained vegetable mixture to the hot vinegar solution. Stir well to ensure even coating and distribution of spices.
- Bring the relish to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare clean, sterilized canning jars by washing in hot, soapy water and drying thoroughly. Ensure lids and rings are also sanitized.
- Carefully ladle the hot relish into prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe jar rims clean to ensure proper sealing.
- Seal jars with lids and rings, then process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper preservation.
- Remove jars and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Check seals and store in a cool, dark pantry. Relish will develop fuller flavor after 2-3 weeks.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select firm, fresh cucumbers, onions, and green peppers. Look for vibrant colors and avoid any blemishes.
- Salting the Vegetables: Don’t skip the salting step! Allowing the chopped vegetables to sit with salt for 2 hours not only helps to draw out excess moisture but also enhances the overall flavor of the relish.
- Sterilizing Jars: Ensure your canning jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage. You can do this by washing them in hot, soapy water and then placing them in a hot oven or boiling water for a few minutes.
- Adjusting Flavor: Feel free to tweak the sugar and vinegar ratios to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter relish, add a bit more sugar; for a tangier kick, increase the vinegar.
- Storage: After processing, allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark pantry. The relish will taste even better after a couple of weeks as the flavors meld together!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
