Sure thing! Here’s a delightful recipe for Carrot Cucumber Relish that’s bound to elevate any dish with its vibrant flavors and crunchy texture. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the fresh taste of vegetables and enjoy adding a homemade touch to their meals. Whether you’re preparing for a potluck, a weeknight dinner, or simply looking for a delicious condiment to accompany your meals, this relish is sure to impress 🥕🥒.
Carrot Cucumber Relish
Preparation Time: 3 hours
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 2 1/2 pints
Ingredients:
- 4-6 cucumbers
- 6 carrots
- 2 onions
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by coarsely grinding the cucumbers, carrots, and onions. You’ll need approximately 3 1/2 cups of cucumbers, 1 1/2 cups of carrots, and 1 cup of onions.
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Combine and Salt: Place the ground vegetables in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Stir to ensure the salt is evenly distributed. Let the mixture stand for about 3 hours to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture from the vegetables.
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Drain: After 3 hours, drain the vegetables thoroughly to remove the excess liquid. You can use a colander or cheesecloth to ensure thorough drainage.
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Prepare the Pickling Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cider vinegar, celery seeds, and mustard seeds. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and evenly distribute the spices.
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Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Add Vegetables: Once the pickling mixture is boiling, add the drained vegetables to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the relish to thicken slightly.
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Sterilize Jars: While the relish is simmering, prepare your jars for canning. Wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water and sterilize them by placing them in boiling water for a few minutes.
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Fill Jars: Using a ladle, carefully fill the hot sterilized jars with the hot relish, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
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Seal Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight.
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Process Jars: Process the filled jars in a boiling water canner for the recommended time based on your altitude. This will ensure the relish is safely preserved for long-term storage.
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Chill and Serve: Once processed, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate the jars to chill the relish before serving.
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Enjoy: Your homemade Carrot Cucumber Relish is now ready to enjoy! Serve it as a condiment alongside your favorite dishes, such as grilled meats, sandwiches, or salads, and savor the fresh flavors with every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic lunch, or simply adding a burst of flavor to your weekday meals, this homemade relish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its crisp cucumbers, sweet carrots, and tangy vinegar, it’s a versatile condiment that adds a pop of color and flavor to any dish. Plus, by making it yourself, you can control the ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Carrot Cucumber Relish! 🥒🥕
