1961 Pepper Relish

Prep: 20 min

A vibrant and tangy pepper relish combining green and red peppers with onions and cabbage, enhanced by mustard, vinegar, and sugar—perfect for adding zest to any meal.

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Ingredients

  • 12 large green peppers
  • 12 large red peppers
  • 12 large onions
  • 4 Tbsp. dry mustard
  • 2 cabbages
  • 3 pt. vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. celery seed
  • 2 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 lb. sugar

Instructions

  1. Chop peppers, onions, and cabbage.
  2. Pour boiling water over them and let stand in water for 20 minutes.
  3. Drain well.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier relish, consider adding jalapeños or other hot peppers to the mix. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen peppers. Make sure to drain the vegetables well after soaking to avoid a watery relish. Adjust the sugar to your taste if you prefer a less sweet flavor. This relish can also be canned for long-term storage.

Serving Suggestions

This pepper relish is a fantastic condiment for grilled meats and sandwiches, adding a sweet and tangy flavor. Serve it alongside dishes like South Carolina Greens for a delightful contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Homemade Ribbon for a unique appetizer spread. Consider using it as a topping for burgers or hot dogs for an extra kick.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pepper relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the relish according to safe canning guidelines. If you wish to reheat it, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. It can also be served cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 1961 Pepper Relish contains roughly 1657 calories, with 29g protein, 273g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (950% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1657 kcal 83% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 28.9g 58% DV
Total Fat 52.3g 67% DV
Carbs 273g 99% DV
Fiber 26.5g 95% DV
Sugar 79.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 2703.8mg 58% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 279.3mcg 31% DV
Vitamin C 855.3mg 100% DV
Calcium 340.1mg 26% DV
Iron 12.3mg 68% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of peppers in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different pepper varieties, such as yellow or orange peppers, to add a unique flavor and color to your relish. Just keep the total quantity of peppers the same to maintain the balance of flavors.

Is it necessary to boil the vegetables before making the relish?

Boiling the vegetables helps to soften them and reduces their raw taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the relish. However, if you prefer a crunchier texture, you can skip this step and simply mix the chopped vegetables directly with the other ingredients.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the relish?

To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or substitute part of it with a sugar alternative like honey or agave syrup. Taste the mixture after adding the sugar and before canning to ensure it meets your preference.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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