Spicy Texas Cucuzza Pepper Relish Food

SPICED RUBY AND EMERALD INDIAN PEPPER RELISH - CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Place all the prepared vegetables and fruit into a large preserving pan.
• Add the spices, sugar and vinegar and give them all a good stir.
• Bring them all to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer until everything is soft; but make sure that the peppers still retain their shape. (Also make sure that the liquids have reduced and the relish is thick and holds together well).
• Remove from the heat, pot and cover straight away.
• Label and store in a cool, dry and dark place for up to 1 year.

BELL PEPPER RELISH

Steps:

• Grind or otherwise process peppers and onions into finely chopped, even mushy, consistency.
• Cover with boiling water and let stand 10 minutes.
• Drain well.
• Save juice to add to vinegar mixture if needed to cover vegetables.
• Add sugar, vinegar, celery seed and salt.
• Boil 15 minutes.
• Pour into sterilized canning jars and seal.

SPICY TEXAS CUCUZZA-PEPPER RELISH

Steps:

• Finely chop cucuzza, onion, bell peppers and jalapeños. (This can be a time consuming step, so I use my Pampered Chef food chopper).
• Place cucuzza, onions, bell peppers and jalapeños in a large mixing bowl.
• Sprinkle pickling salt over cucuzza mixture and stir well to combine.
• Let cucuzza mixture sit on the counter at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Thoroughly rinse cucuzza mixture in a strainer under cold running water.
• Use a wooden spoon to press the veggies against the side of the strainer to drain as much water as you can.
• Place drained cucuzza mixture in a clean bowl.
• Let sit on the counter for an additional 15 minutes, then drain again to remove excess water.
• In a large stockpot, combine vinegar, sugar, Thai peppers, celery seeds, cayenne pepper, turmeric and black pepper.
• Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove Thai peppers from pot and discard.
• Add chopped cucuzza mixture to the stockpot.
• Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until veggies are tender.
• In a small bowl, combine water and cornstarch; mix to dissolve.
• Pour cornstarch mixture into stockpot and cook for 5 minutes.
• Pour into sterilized canning jars and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.