Cucumber Pickle Relish
Cucumber Pickle Relish offers a crisp, tangy flavor with a hint of dill and celery seed, making it a perfect condiment for sandwiches, hot dogs, or as a tangy side. Its fresh cucumber base pairs beautifully with the sweet and sour vinegar mixture, appealing to those who enjoy homemade, tangy relishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix coarsely grated cucumbers, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, and salt by hand in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into jars, pressing down gently to remove excess air.
- In a saucepan, combine brown vinegar, sugar, dill seed, and celery seed. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the cucumber mixture in the jars, leaving some headspace.
- Cover jars with lids (not sealed), tighten slightly, then loosen a little to allow for expansion.
- Refrigerate the relish. It will keep up to a year and may require some working space as it settles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider using pickling cucumbers instead of regular ones. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute with a sugar alternative, but taste may vary. Adding a pinch of turmeric can enhance the color. For variations, try incorporating diced carrots or jalapeños for added flavor. This relish complements sandwiches well, similar to how you'd use 12-Hour Cole Slaw.
Serving Suggestions
This cucumber pickle relish is a fantastic topping for burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches, adding a zesty crunch. It also pairs beautifully with Oven Barbecue Sauce in pulled pork dishes. Serve alongside chips or as part of a charcuterie board for an added zing. It also complements grilled meats well, enhancing their flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cucumber relish in the refrigerator in airtight jars. It can last up to a year if kept properly. Ensure the jars are not sealed tightly to allow for expansion. For best flavor, use within six months. There's no need to reheat; serve cold or at room temperature for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Pickle Relish contains roughly 297 calories, with 7g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 vinegar for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for brown vinegar. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly. Brown vinegar adds a deeper, richer taste, while white vinegar will be more tangy.
How long does it take for the relish to develop its flavor?
The flavors will start to meld after a few hours, but for the best taste, allow the relish to sit for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator before serving. This resting period helps all the ingredients blend together beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
This recipe is intended for refrigerator storage rather than canning, as it doesn't follow standard canning procedures for long-term preservation. If you wish to can it, ensure to follow safe canning methods and adjust for acidity.
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).