Chunky Cajun Watermelon Relish Recipes

WATERMELON RIND RELISH

Steps:

• Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add rind; cook 3 minutes. Drain well.
• Combine sugar and remaining ingredients in pan; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes.
• Stir in watermelon rind; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently.
• Cool; pour relish into airtight containers.
• Note: Refrigerate Watermelon Rind Relish in airtight containers up to two months.

CHUNKY CAJUN WATERMELON RELISH

Steps:

• Place rind, peppers, and onion in a large bowl toss in the salt and cover with ice cold water. Chill for 8-12 hours.
• Prepare jars and water bath for canning.
• Rinse very very well and drain set aside.
• Place the remaining ingredients in a large stainless steel pot. Bring to a boil to dissolve sugar. Once dissolved add the drained rind and veggies.Bring back to a boil then reduce to a simmer over medium low flame. Simmer covered for 25 minutes.
• Pack into hot jars leaving 1/2 inch head space. Wipe rims adjust lid placing screw bands on. Process in hot water bath for 10 minutes.
• Cool jars out of draft for 12 hours check for seals. label and store. Or give as gifts.

CANDIED WATERMELON RIND

Steps:

• Place watermelon rind in a deep pot and add the sugar.
• Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight (at least 4 hours) to macerate.
• In the morning, bring to a simmer, stirring to thoroughly dissolve the sugar.
• Add the remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours. Cubes will be translucent when done.
• Uncover and bring to a boil. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring often, to reduce the syrup to a thick caramel-like liquid.
• While still hot, ladle into sterilized jars and process in a waterbath for 30 minutes (the original calls for turning the jars upside down for a minute to create a seal but to correlate with the US safety guidelines I suggest waterbath canning for shelf-storage. If you're keeping it in the fridge, skip this part!).

THE BEST RELISH I'VE EVER HAD

Steps:

• Grate the cucumbers and onions into a large bowl using the large holes of a box grater. Sprinkle the pickling salt over the top. Cover tightly, and allow to rest at room temperature overnight.
• Squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the cucumber mixture; set aside. Whisk together the sugar, flour, turmeric, ginger, and celery seed. Heat the vinegar and water in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Whisk in the sugar mixture until smooth. Stir in the cucumber mixture. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 15 minutes.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the relish into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. 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 over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process pint jars 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.

WATERMELON RIND PRESERVES

Steps:

• Dissolve salt in 2 quarts of water.
• Pour over rind and let stand 5 to 6 hours.
• Drain, rinse and drain again.
• Cover with cold water and let stand 3 minutes.
• Drain.
• Sprinkle ginger over rind.
• Cover with water and cook until fork tender.
• Drain.
• Combine sugar, lemon juice and 7 cups water.
• Boil 5 minutes and add rind.
• Boil adn cook until rind is clear.
• Pack into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
• Wipe jar rims and adjust lids.
• Process 5 minutes in a boiling water bath.