Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups of watermelon rind, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of diced red onion
- 1/4 cup of diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Canning jars with lids and rings
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Magnetic lid lifter
- Bubble remover tool
- Water bath canner
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the watermelon rind, white vinegar, granulated sugar, red onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, mustard seeds, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the watermelon rind is tender and the mixture has thickened.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
5. While the relish is cooling, prepare the canning jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and sterilizing them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
6. Using a canning funnel, ladle the hot relish into the prepared jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
7. Remove any air bubbles with a bubble remover tool and wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth.
8. Place the lids and rings on the jars and tighten them just until they are snug.
9. Using a jar lifter, place the jars in a water bath canner filled with boiling water.
10. Process the jars for 15 minutes, adjusting the processing time for altitude if necessary.
11. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel-lined countertop for 24 hours.
12. Check the seals on the jars by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it pops up and down, the jar did not seal properly and should be refrigerated and used within a week.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Boiling water bath canner
Serving size:
This recipe makes approximately 4 pints of watermelon rind relish.
Nutritional information:
Serving size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 20
Total fat: 0g
Saturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar can be used in place of white vinegar.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of granulated sugar.
- Yellow onion can be used in place of red onion.
- Jalapeno pepper can be used in place of green or red bell pepper.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicier relish.
- Substitute the watermelon rind with cucumber for a classic cucumber relish.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for a Mexican-inspired relish.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to peel the watermelon rind, as it can be tough to remove with a vegetable peeler.
- Be sure to remove any pink flesh from the watermelon rind before dicing it.
- Let the relish cool for 10 minutes before canning to prevent the jars from cracking.
- Use a magnetic lid lifter to easily remove the lids from the hot water.
Storage Instructions:
Store the canned watermelon rind relish in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Reheating Instructions:
The watermelon rind relish can be served cold or at room temperature, but can also be heated gently in a saucepan over low heat.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the watermelon rind relish in a small dish alongside grilled meats or on top of a salad.
Garnishes:
Garnish the watermelon rind relish with a sprig of fresh parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
The watermelon rind relish pairs well with grilled chicken, pork, or fish.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the watermelon rind relish with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the relish is too watery, simmer it for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken it.
- If the jars do not seal properly, refrigerate and use the relish within a week.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to follow proper canning procedures to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Discard any jars of relish that show signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off smell.
Food History:
Watermelon rind relish is a traditional Southern recipe that dates back to the early 1900s. It was originally created as a way to use up the tough, fibrous rind of the watermelon that would otherwise go to waste.
Flavor Profiles:
The watermelon rind relish is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, with a crunchy texture from the diced vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the watermelon rind relish as a condiment alongside grilled meats or on top of a salad.
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