Pickle Relish
Pickle Relish offers a vibrant blend of cucumbers, sweet peppers, and aromatic spices, creating a tangy, sweet, and spicy condiment perfect for enhancing sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers. Its bold flavors and crunchy texture make it an ideal accompaniment for picnics and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped cucumbers, sweet red peppers, sweet green peppers, and chopped onion in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the mixture with turmeric.
- Dissolve canning salt in 2 quarts of cold water and pour over the vegetables.
- Let stand for 3 to 4 hours.
- Drain the vegetables thoroughly.
- Cover the vegetables with cold water and let stand for 1 hour.
- Drain thoroughly again.
- Tie the spices (whole cloves, whole allspice, cinnamon sticks) in a cheesecloth bag.
- Add the spice bag to vinegar and sugar mixture.
- Heat the vinegar mixture to boiling.
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the drained vegetables.
- Cover and let stand for 12 to 18 hours in a cool place.
- Simmer the mixture until the vegetables are hot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pack the hot mixture into hot jars, leaving 1/8-inch headspace.
- Adjust caps and process the jars for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting some of the cucumbers with zucchini. Ensure the vegetables are chopped uniformly for even pickling. You can also adjust the spice levels by adding more mustard seeds or including a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier relish. If using fresh herbs, dill can complement the flavors well.
Serving Suggestions
This pickle relish pairs beautifully with sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs. It can also enhance the flavors in potato salads or be served alongside grilled meats. For a delightful twist, try adding it to a cheese platter or using it as a garnish for deviled eggs. Browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickle relish in sterilized jars in the refrigerator once opened. It can last for several months when properly sealed. For longer storage, consider canning the relish using a water bath method. To serve leftovers, simply spoon out the desired amount and enjoy it cold; there's no need to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pickle Relish contains roughly 1261 calories, with 13g protein, 193g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1014mg per serving (44% 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 mix and match different types of sweet peppers based on your preference. Bell peppers, banana peppers, or even mild chili peppers can be great alternatives. Just ensure they are sweet and not too spicy to maintain the relish's intended flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the relish?
To adjust the sweetness, you can increase or decrease the sugar added in the vinegar mixture. Taste the mixture before pouring it over the vegetables; this allows you to control the sweetness level to your liking. You can also substitute some sugar with honey or agave for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this relish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as it does not contain any animal products. You can confidently enjoy this pickle relish as part of your vegan recipes collection. Just ensure that any additional ingredients or sides you serve with it also adhere to vegan standards.
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).