Pickled Squash

Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Servings: 24
Yield: 24 servings

Description

This pickled squash recipe, featuring onions and bell peppers, is marinated in a blend of vinegar, turmeric, and mustard seeds for a crisp, tangy snack.

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds young yellow squash and zucchini, sliced into rounds
2 small onions, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1/4 cup salt
2 1/4 cups white sugar
2 cups distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoons mustard seed
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon celery seed

Directions

1 Combine squash, onions, and bell pepper in a large aluminum-free pot; cover with salt. Set aside to release liquid, stirring occasionally, 2 hours.
2 Bring sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, turmeric, and celery seeds to a boil in a medium saucepan. Strain and discard solids from briny liquid; pour liquid over salted vegetables in the pot. Set aside for 2 hours more.
3 Meanwhile, inspect four (1-pint) jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until pickled squash is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
4 Bring vegetable mixture to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, about 5 minutes.
5 Pack vegetable mixture into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within ¼ inch of tops. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around insides of jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
6 Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
7 Remove jars from the stockpot; set aside, several inches apart, and cool. Once cool, press centers of lids with a finger to ensure lids do not move up or down. Remove rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.