India Relish
India Relish offers a vibrant mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, perfect for adding zest to meals or serving as a flavorful condiment with various dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet green peppers ⓘ
- 4 large sweet red peppers ⓘ
- 12 green tomatoes ⓘ
- 6 cucumbers (6-inches long) ⓘ
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped ⓘ
- 2 small hot peppers ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 cups vinegar ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. mustard seed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. turmeric ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground mace ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ginger root ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove seeds from the green and red sweet peppers.
- Put peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions through a food chopper using a coarse blade.
- Stir salt into the chopped vegetables and let set overnight.
- Next morning, place the vegetables in a colander and force out as much brine as possible.
- Chop the cabbage very fine.
- Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl.
- Add sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, turmeric, ground mace, cinnamon, and ginger root.
- Mix well and heat the mixture to boiling.
- Boil for 3 minutes.
- Pack the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace, and put on caps.
- Screw the bands firmly tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your India Relish, consider adding a splash of lemon juice for acidity or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. If you prefer a milder relish, reduce the amount of hot peppers or substitute with sweet peppers. Ensure vegetables are finely chopped for even texture, and let them marinate long enough to absorb the salt. For a twist, pair this relish with dishes like Fijian-Indian Chicken Or Lamb Curry.
Serving Suggestions
India Relish makes a vibrant addition to sandwiches, burgers, or as a topping for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Potato And Pea Curry and can be served alongside rice dishes. For a delightful appetizer, serve it with crackers or pita bread. This relish can also enhance the flavor of tacos or be used as a zesty salad dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover India Relish in sterilized jars in the refrigerator, where it can last for several months. Once opened, consume within a few weeks for the best flavor. To reheat, simply scoop out the desired amount and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This relish can also be enjoyed cold as a condiment.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of India Relish contains roughly 769 calories, with 17g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (209% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (196% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1257mg per serving (55% 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 relish?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various peppers based on your taste preferences. Bell peppers are great for sweetness, while jalapeños or serranos can add heat. Just ensure to balance the flavors to maintain the relish's overall taste.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the relish?
If you prefer a less sweet relish, start by reducing the sugar by half and taste as you go. You can also substitute some sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just remember that the balance of sweetness and acidity is key for a successful relish.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this India Relish is perfect for canning! Make sure to follow proper canning guidelines, including sterilizing jars and processing them in a boiling water bath. This will help preserve the relish for long-term storage, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year.
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).