Hot Tomato Pickles

Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Cuisine: American

Hot Tomato Pickles are spicy, tangy preserves with green tomatoes, onions, and peppers, perfect for adding zest to sandwiches, snacks, or as a flavorful condiment.

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Ingredients

  • 3 gallons green tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 gallon onions, chopped in hunks
  • 1 quart hot green peppers (some red for color)
  • 1/4 cup crushed red pepper
  • 3 pints vinegar
  • 6 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the mixture until the color changes, but do not overcook to keep them crispy.
  2. Put the hot pickles into jars and seal immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger to the mixture. If green tomatoes are unavailable, you can substitute with firm red tomatoes. Adjust the level of crushed red pepper to your heat preference. Ensure that the jars are sterilized properly before filling to avoid spoilage. For added crunch, let the pickles sit for a few days before tasting to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

These hot tomato pickles make a fantastic side dish with sandwiches or burgers, especially when paired with Daddy'S Barbecue Sauce. They also elevate cheese platters or charcuterie boards. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing salad or with Mexican dishes for a spicy kick. For a sweet contrast, try them with desserts like Fiesta Pudding Cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store the hot tomato pickles in a cool, dark place for up to a year if sealed properly. Once opened, keep them refrigerated and consume within a month. Reheat them gently on the stove to bring back some warmth before serving, though they are typically enjoyed cold as a zesty accompaniment to meals.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hot Tomato Pickles contains roughly 2036 calories, with 33g protein, 354g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (426% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), and iron (95% 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).

2036 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 33.2g 66% DV
Total Fat 54.4g 70% DV
Carbs 354.3g 100% DV
Fiber 38.9g 100% DV
Sugar 103.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 3153.1mg 67% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 120.5mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 383.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 527.2mg 41% DV
Iron 17.1mg 95% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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?

Absolutely! You can use a variety of peppers based on your heat preference, such as jalapeños or serranos. Just keep in mind that the spice level will vary with different types, so adjust the crushed red pepper accordingly to maintain the desired heat.

How can I make these pickles less spicy?

To reduce the heat, decrease the amount of crushed red pepper and remove seeds from the hot peppers before adding them to the mix. You can also balance the spice with an extra cup of sugar or serve with cooling sides like yogurt or a creamy dip.

What can I do if my pickles are too soft after cooking?

If your pickles turn out too soft, it may be due to overcooking. To avoid this in the future, cook just until the color changes and the vegetables are heated through. For current batches, consider using them in sauces or as a topping for dishes, where texture is less critical.

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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