Italian Zukes in Olive Oil

It's that time of year!

Zucchini season!

Zucchini's are everywhere!!!  They are so yummy but you just can't eat them ALL NOW.  This will be a multipart series on preserving zucchinis.  Today we are making refrigerator preserved zucchini's in olive oil.  If the oil covers the vegetables, they will last up to six weeks refrigerated.  

This recipe is  AMAZING!!!  If you have extra zucchini's, you HAVE TO MAKE THESE!!!    Friends are unloading their zukes, and I will take them ALL!!!

Ingredients:

Toddler sized zucchini (really just 2 - 3 lbs), but adjust recipe based on your needs

8 cups water

4 cups white vinegar

3/4 cup sea salt or kosher salt

Hand full of Peppers (I like spicy, but use one red bell pepper or as many spicy peppers as you like) 

Either: 1 head of garlic, OR 1-2 tablespoons of pre-chopped, OR 1 teaspoon of dried garlic

Italian seasoning.  Fresh if you have it.  I used 10 sprigs basil, 3 sprigs oregano, 3 stems of rosemary.  You can also use 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning

Red pepper flakes to taste

1 teaspoon of black pepper (preferably fresh ground)

Good olive oil (1-2 cups to cover)

1/2 gallon jar or multiple smaller jars

Here's whatcha do:

1. Sanitize jars in dishwasher or by hand   
2. Thinly slice the zucchini - use the food processor if you have one.  Use a mandolin if you have one.  A knife also works. 
3. Bring water, white vinegar and salt to a boil.
4. Add zucchini to the boiling water, in batches if needed.  Reduce to simmer.  Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Remove zucchini with a slotted spoon into a strainer to strain extra liquid
6. Rough chop peppers, garlic and herbs (if using fresh)
7. Add peppers, garlic, herbs, black pepper to large bowl
8. Add zucchini to the same large bowl and mix well
9. Add mixture into prepared jar(s).  
10. Use a chopstick to get out air bubbles by slowly poking and slowly stirring.
11. Top with olive oil taking care that all the veggies are submerged.
12. Refrigerate for at least one day but up to six weeks...  
13. Enjoy on crusty bread, in pastas, as an amazing charcuterie with olives, bread and cheese! 

I would love to hear your zucchini recipes!  Leave them below in the comments!