Polish Cucumber Relish(From M.C.E.S.)

Prep: 240 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Eastern European

Polish Cucumber Relish offers a crisp, tangy flavor with sweet and spicy notes, perfect as a condiment or accompaniment for meats, sandwiches, and picnics.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups ground unpeeled cucumber
  • 1 cup ground green pepper
  • 1/2 cup ground sweet red pepper
  • 3 cups ground onion
  • 3 cups finely diced celery
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 3 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon celery seed

Instructions

  1. Use a coarse blade on the grinder.
  2. Combine all vegetables in a large bowl.
  3. Sprinkle with salt and cover with cold water.
  4. Let stand for 4 hours.
  5. Drain in a colander, pressing out all excess liquid.
  6. In a saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, celery seed, and garlic; bring to a boil.
  7. Stir in the prepared vegetables.
  8. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
  9. Pack the hot relish into sterilized jars.
  10. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For optimal flavor, let the relish sit for a day before serving to allow the ingredients to meld. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground vegetables with finely chopped versions, but grinding will give a better texture. For added spice, consider mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or using pickled jalapeños from your favorite Quick Pickled Cucumbers recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This relish is perfect for enhancing sandwiches, burgers, or as a side to grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Country Fried Okra for a Southern-inspired meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or alongside Dilled Baby Potatoes for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover relish in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to two months. If you processed the jars properly, they can be kept in a cool, dark place for up to a year. To enjoy, simply spoon out the desired amount; there's no need to reheat unless preferred warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Polish Cucumber Relish(From M.C.E.S.) contains roughly 450 calories, with 12g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1766mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).

450 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.7g 23% DV
Total Fat 14g 18% DV
Carbs 68.2g 25% DV
Fiber 9.7g 35% DV
Sugar 16.7g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1766mg 77% DV
Potassium 736.7mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 167.2mcg 19% DV
Vitamin C 180.9mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 100.3mg 8% DV
Iron 4.2mg 23% DV
Diet fit 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 peeled cucumbers for this recipe?

While unpeeled cucumbers provide better texture and flavor, you can use peeled ones if you prefer. However, you may miss out on some of the crunch and nutrients found in the skin.

How long does this relish last once opened?

Once opened, the relish can last up to 2 months in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it sealed tightly to maintain freshness and flavor.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the relish?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your preference! If you prefer a less sweet relish, try reducing the sugar by half a cup. Keep in mind that this will alter the overall taste, so adjust gradually.

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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