Hot Dog Relish

Prep: 720 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

Hot Dog Relish offers a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy accompaniment perfect for hot dogs, sandwiches, or as a condiment. Its vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables, sugar, vinegar, and spice make it a versatile addition to summer barbecues and casual gatherings, appealing to those who love homemade condiments.

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Ingredients

  • 12 lb. green tomatoes
  • 2 lb. head cabbage
  • 6 red sweet peppers
  • 6 onions
  • 1 cup salt
  • 3 pt. vinegar
  • 8 cups sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. mixed pickle spice

Instructions

  1. Grind the green tomatoes, add salt, and let stand overnight.
  2. Drain the mixture.
  3. Add finely chopped or ground red sweet peppers, onions, and cabbage to the drained tomatoes.
  4. Combine sugar, vinegar, and spice tied in a bag.
  5. Add the liquid mixture to the vegetables and simmer for 30 minutes.
  6. Pack the hot relish into sterilized jars and seal.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, consider running the tomatoes and cabbage through a food processor. If you're short on green tomatoes, you can substitute with ripe tomatoes, but reduce the sugar slightly. Adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper if desired. Make sure to let the mixture sit overnight to enhance the flavors, akin to methods used in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This hot dog relish is perfect for topping grilled hot dogs, adding a burst of flavor to your summer barbecues. It pairs beautifully with Barbecue Brisket or can be served alongside a refreshing Methodist Slaw for a complete meal. Consider using it as a condiment for sandwiches or burgers for an extra kick.

Storage & Reheating

Store the hot dog relish in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within a month. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring not to boil to preserve the flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hot Dog Relish contains roughly 1745 calories, with 29g protein, 253g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (298% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and iron (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1745 kcal 87% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 28.8g 58% DV
Total Fat 70g 90% DV
Carbs 252.8g 92% DV
Fiber 21.2g 76% DV
Sugar 72.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 1575.3mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 480mcg 53% DV
Vitamin C 268.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 287.1mg 22% DV
Iron 11.2mg 62% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 the recipe?

Absolutely! While red sweet peppers are traditional, you can experiment with yellow or orange peppers for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are sweet varieties to maintain the relish's balance.

How long does the relish need to be simmered?

The relish should be simmered for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Is this relish suitable for canning?

Yes, this relish is ideal for canning. Just make sure to use sterilized jars and proper canning techniques. It’s a great way to preserve the flavors of summer and enjoy them year-round.

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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