A delightful homemade pickle relish with a zesty twist, perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes.
Finely chop the cucumbers and onions, then place them in a large bowl.
Using a food processor can save time when chopping the vegetables.
Sprinkle the mixture with pickling salt, stir well, and let it sit for 1 hour.
This step helps draw out excess moisture from the vegetables.
Drain the mixture in a colander, rinse under cold water, and press out any excess moisture.
Ensure the mixture is well-drained to avoid a watery relish.
In a large pot, combine vinegar, sugar, garlic, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric, then bring to a boil.
Stir the mixture constantly to dissolve the sugar completely.
Add the cucumber mixture to the pot, bring it to a boil again, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of the simmering liquid until smooth, then add it to the pot and stir until thickened.
Adding the cornstarch slurry gradually prevents lumps from forming.
Remove the pot from heat and pour the relish into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
Use a funnel to make filling the jars easier and mess-free.
Seal the jars with lids and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Ensure the jars are fully submerged in the water bath for proper sealing.