Catsup Relish
A tangy, spicy catsup relish made from ripe tomatoes, onions, peppers, and aromatic spices, perfect for enhancing grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a flavorful condiment.
Ingredients
- 7 lb. ripe tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 lb. peeled, quartered onions ⓘ
- 2 peeled green peppers, cored, cut in strips ⓘ
- 2 ribs chunked celery ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne ⓘ
- 1 c. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. whole cloves ⓘ
- 1 stick broken cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. whole allspice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. celery seed ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1/4 c. molasses ⓘ
Instructions
- Core the tomatoes.
- Strip off the skin and quarter the tomatoes.
- If necessary, rotate each tomato on a fork over heat until the skin pops.
- Chop finely the tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and celery.
- Add the chopped vegetables to a 6 to 8-quart enameled or stainless steel kettle.
- Add cayenne, cider vinegar, dry mustard, whole cloves, broken cinnamon stick, whole allspice, celery seed, sugar, and molasses to the kettle.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Pour into sterilized jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the vegetables before cooking. If fresh tomatoes aren't available, you can substitute with canned tomatoes. Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference and consider using maple syrup instead of molasses for a different flavor profile. Ensure all jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage. This recipe works well as a base for many American recipes, adding depth to various dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Catsup relish is excellent as a topping for burgers and hot dogs or as a side with grilled meats. Pair it with rich dishes like barbecued ribs or roasted vegetables for a delightful contrast. It also complements sandwiches and can even be used as an ingredient in dips. For a sweet treat, try it alongside Apple-Berry Crisp.
Storage & Reheating
Store the catsup relish in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and use within a month. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. It can also be served cold as a condiment.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Catsup Relish contains roughly 498 calories, with 16g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (291% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (155% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 520mg per serving (23% 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 different types of peppers in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different peppers based on your taste preference. Sweet bell peppers will add a mild flavor, while jalapeños can introduce a spicy kick. Just ensure that the total weight remains similar to maintain the balance of flavors in the catsup relish.
How long can catsup relish be stored?
If properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, catsup relish can last up to a year. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within a month for the best quality. Always check for signs of spoilage before use, such as off smells or discoloration.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly! All the ingredients used are plant-based. You can enhance the flavor by adding additional spices or herbs if desired. Enjoy it as a versatile condiment that suits various vegan recipes.
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).