California Pepper Relish
A vibrant, sweet and tangy relish combining roasted peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices, perfect for adding bold flavor to sandwiches, grilled meats, or cheese platters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve, seed, and chop the peppers.
- Layer the chopped peppers with salt in a large glass bowl.
- Allow to stand at room temperature for 3 hours, stirring several times.
- Drain the peppers well.
- Combine the drained peppers, peeled and chopped tomatoes, and chopped onions.
- Stir in sugar, vinegar, and the tied, mashed pickling spices.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.
- Lower the heat to a simmer to prevent scorching and cook for 30 minutes or until thick.
- Remove the spice bag before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider roasting the peppers before chopping them. If you prefer a milder relish, use fewer hot peppers or substitute with sweet bell peppers. For a unique twist, try adding a teaspoon of garlic or a splash of lemon juice. Make sure to stir the mixture frequently while it simmers to prevent scorching, especially if using a cast-iron pot.
Serving Suggestions
California Pepper Relish is delicious served alongside grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Dieter'S Salad Dressing for a bright salad. For a more casual meal, serve it with tortilla chips or as part of a cheese platter to elevate your appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover California Pepper Relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the relish in sterilized jars. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat to maintain its texture and flavor, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Pepper Relish contains roughly 829 calories, with 15g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (133% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2594mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
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 frozen peppers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peppers, but it's best to thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping. This helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring your relish maintains the right consistency. Keep in mind that frozen peppers may be slightly softer in texture.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the relish?
To adjust the sweetness, you can either increase or decrease the amount of sugar based on your preference. If you want a less sweet relish, start with half the amount of sugar and gradually add more until you reach your desired taste. Alternatively, try substituting half of the sugar with honey for a different flavor profile.
What can I add to make the relish spicier?
To amp up the heat, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. You can also experiment with different types of hot peppers, such as serranos or habaneros, depending on your spice tolerance and 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).