"Red Eye" Ripe Tomato Relish
A tangy, spicy tomato relish with onions, celery, and warming spices, perfect for preserving summer flavors and enhancing meats, cheeses, or appetizers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel tomatoes without scalding.
- Mix the peeled tomatoes, chopped onions, chopped celery, and salt, and let stand overnight.
- In the morning, drain the mixture well.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix on and off all day.
- Put the relish into clean pint canning jars.
- May be refrigerated before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fully ripe tomatoes and consider substituting the horseradish with grated fresh ginger for a different kick. If you prefer a milder relish, reduce the red pepper. Be sure to let the mixture sit overnight to enhance the flavors. Also, stirring occasionally throughout the day ensures even distribution of spices. This relish is great as a topping for sandwiches, especially when paired with dishes like Ardith'S Pepper Steak.
Serving Suggestions
This relish is perfect as a condiment for grilled meats or sandwiches, adding a zesty flavor. It pairs well with cheeses and crackers for a delightful appetizer platter. Consider serving alongside dishes like New Orleans Style Bean Soup for a complete meal. It also works wonderfully as a topping for baked potatoes or mixed into salads for an extra punch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover relish in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the relish using proper canning techniques to ensure safety. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Red Eye" Ripe Tomato Relish contains roughly 1232 calories, with 11g protein, 306g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (221% of the Daily Value), iron (121% of the Daily Value), and calcium (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2298mg per serving (100% 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 make this relish without horseradish?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use horseradish, you can simply omit it or replace it with a small amount of grated fresh ginger for a different flavor profile. The relish will still be delicious and have a nice balance of sweetness and spice without it.
How long does the relish need to sit before serving?
It's best to let the relish sit overnight after mixing to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re in a hurry, a minimum of 4-6 hours can work, but the longer it sits, the better the taste will be, making it a great make-ahead option.
Can I freeze this relish for later use?
Freezing this relish is not recommended due to the texture changes that may occur with the tomatoes and other ingredients. Instead, store it in the refrigerator or can it following proper canning guidelines. This way, you can enjoy the relish at its best quality.
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).