From zoodles to bread, zucchini is a versatile vegetable. You can even transform it into pickled zucchini, too!
Instructions
1
Soak the vegetables
2
Place the zucchini and onion in a large stainless steel or glass bowl. Then, sprinkle vegetables with salt and toss to coat. Add water to cover and stir gently until salt is dissolved. Let stand at room temperature for two hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly. When it comes to salt, opt for canning or pickling salt, which you can find at most grocers and big box stores (just ask for it—it might not be in the salt and spice aisle). Editor's Tip: Be sure your bowl is nonreactive. You don't want to use copper or aluminum for this step because the metal can react with acidic foods. Stick to a glass or ceramic dish.
3
Prepare the brine
4
In a six-quart stockpot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, turmeric and any other spices you'd like to include. Bring to a boil, stirring gently to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat. To help flavors blend, simmer the brine for five minutes. Add your zucchini mixture to the stockpot. Return to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; then simmer, uncovered for five minutes, or until heated through. While you're preparing the mixture, thoroughly sterilize the jars. Wash the jars with hot, soapy water, and place them in a large pot of boiling water. Remove after about 10 minutes.
5
Carefully ladle hot zucchinis and onions into six preheated pint jars. A canning funnel really helps here. When the jars are full, pour in the hot brine, leaving a half-inch headspace. You don't have to pack the zucchinis as tightly as you pack cucumbers! Remove air bubbles using a wooden spoon. If necessary, adjust the headspace by adding additional hot pickling liquid to maintain a 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe rims with a clean cloth. Center lids on jars and screw on bands until finger tight. Editor's Tip: Have extra pickling liquid? Use it to boil potatoes, as a dressing or in tuna salad for extra flavor.
6
Place jars into a hot water canner filled with simmering water, make sure they're completely covered with water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes. Carefully remove jars and let cool on the countertop. The zucchini pickles are ready to eat, but will become even more flavorful after 24 hours. Let sit a few weeks for maximum taste!
