Four-Pepper Relish
2 large red bell peppers, seeded and finely
chopped
2 large yellow bell peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 large green bell peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 small fresh serrano chilies, seeded and minced
2 medium red onions, finely chopped
1 1/3 cups white vinegar
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons salt
- Place peppers and onions in a large, non-aluminum
saucepan. Add sufficient water to cover and bring to boil over
high heat. Boil 1 minute, then drain well in colander.
- Return vegetables to pan and add all remaining
ingredients. Bring to simmer; simmer 4 minutes. Cool, pack into
sterilized pint canning jars, leaving 1/2-inch at top of jars.
Jars and lids can be sterilized by boiling them in water 10 minutes.
Leave jars and lids in the hot water until ready to use. After
packing jars, wipe lips of jars with a clean, moist cloth and
attach lids.
- Process in a water bath for 5 minutes.
You'll need a large pot with a rack or basket on the bottom to
keep the jars from touching the bottom of the pan. The pot should
be deep enough so that water covers the tops of the jars by 1
inch. You can buy canners sold complete with racks or you can
buy the racks separately and fit them in a large pot. Place jars
in pot; they shouldn't be touching each other or the sides of
the pot. Cover with boiling water by at least 1 inch. Cover pot
and begin timing when water reaches a boil. Boil gently and steadily.
Use tongs to remove jars from boiling water after processing
time is up; place jars on towel to cool. Check lids to see if
jars are sealed. If jar has failed to seal, refrigerate. Store
in a cool, dark location.
Yield: about 3 pints.
Note: If desired, use 1 to 2 fewer bell
peppers and substitute an equal amount of chopped zucchini (about
1/2 cup of chopped zucchini per bell pepper). If you add the
zucchini, be careful not to overcook it; it should remain tender-crisp.