Catfish Relish
A tangy, spicy relish with green tomatoes, onions, peppers, and vinegar, perfect for preserving summer harvests and adding a zesty kick to meats and sandwiches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, celery seed, and chopped jalapeno peppers in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Boil the mixture until well combined and hot.
- Add the quartered green tomatoes, quartered onions, and chopped peppers to the boiling solution.
- Cook until the tomatoes change color, about 10-15 minutes.
- Do not boil further after tomatoes change color.
- Transfer the hot mixture into sterilized jars.
- Process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes to preserve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier relish, consider substituting some of the jalapeno pepper with habanero or serrano peppers. If green tomatoes are unavailable, you can use firm unripe tomatoes. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce. Ensure your jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
Serving Suggestions
This catfish relish pairs beautifully with fried catfish, grilled meats, or as a tangy topping on sandwiches. Serve alongside crackers or use it as a zesty condiment for tacos. For a delightful twist, try it with a side of Nanny Babe'S Candied Dill Pickles for a contrasting flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the catfish relish in a cool, dark place for up to a year if canned properly. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a month. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, but do not boil to maintain flavor integrity.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Catfish Relish contains roughly 1786 calories, with 28g protein, 314g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (239% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value), and iron (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?
While green tomatoes are traditional for this relish, you can use ripe tomatoes if necessary. However, the flavor and texture will differ. Ripe tomatoes tend to be sweeter and may result in a softer relish. Adjust the sugar accordingly to balance the sweetness.
How long can I store the relish?
If properly canned, this catfish relish can be stored for up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume within a month. Always check for signs of spoilage before use.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but it may affect the overall flavor and preservation. Sugar acts as a preservative and balances the acidity of the vinegar. Consider substituting with honey or a sugar alternative, but ensure the consistency and taste meet 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).