Pickled Zucchini Gazpacho Food

QUICK-PICKLED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the vinegar, salt, mustard seeds, chile flakes and 3 cups water to a simmer. Cook until the salt has dissolved, about 5 minutes.
• Divide the dill, garlic, zucchini and onions evenly between 2 quart-size mason jars.
• Pour the hot liquid into the mason jars to cover the ingredients and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Serve immediately or cover with lids and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

ZUCCHINI PICKLES

Steps:

• Place zucchini and onions into a large bowl, cover with water, and stir in salt until dissolved. Let the vegetables soak in the salted water for at least 2 hours; drain and transfer to a large heatproof bowl.
• Bring sugar, vinegar, celery seed, turmeric, mustard, and mustard seeds to a boil in a saucepan; pour the mixture over the zucchini and onions. Let the mixture stand for at least 2 more hours. Return zucchini, onions, and pickling liquid with spices to a large pot and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes.
• While vegetables are soaking in pickling liquid, sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the zucchini and onion into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top with pickling liquid. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area, and wait at least 24 hours before opening.

GRILLED JUMBO SHRIMP AND PICKLED "GAZPACHO" ROLL-UPS

Steps:

• Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high. Place shrimp in shallow dish. Sprinkle garlic over shrimp. Drizzle shrimp with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper. Grill 2 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque and head curls towards tail. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon over shrimp and remove to platter to cool.
• In food processor, coarsely chop the giardiniera vegetables. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the lemon juice, parsley, tomato, and pepper until well combined. To serve, place 2 shrimp in a bibb lettuce leaf and sprinkle some gazpacho sauce over them. Roll them up like a mini-burrito and enjoy!

PICKLED-ZUCCHINI GAZPACHO

Steps:

• Place the pickles, raw zucchini, water, buttermilk, salt and 1 tablespoon of the pickling liquid in a blender and process until smooth. Scrape into a bowl and refrigerate until cold. Stir in the bell peppers, onion and almonds. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with the lobster meat, if using. Serve immediately. (The remaining pickling liquid can be reheated and used to make more pickles, if desired.)

SWEET ZUCCHINI PICKLES

Steps:

• Mix squash, onion, and sweet pepper in a big bowl.
• Mix with salt. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Drain.
• Combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, celery seed, and ground mustard. Boil.
• Add squash mixture. Return to boiling; remove from heat.
• Spoon mixture into 2 clean pint jars. I just use tupperware.
• Cool 30 minutes.
• Cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours before serving.
• Store in refrigerator up to 1 month or freeze forever :).

PICKLED GAZPACHO

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor, blend half of the ingredients until finely chopped.
• Pour into bowl and repeat with remaining ingredients.
• Chill thoroughly.