Sweet Tomato Relish
A vibrant sweet tomato relish with tangy vinegar, spicy pickling spices, and a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, ideal for summer barbecues or as a condiment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the mixture to the boiling point and cook slowly for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the spice bag from the mixture.
- Ladle the hot relish into sterilized jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture. If green tomatoes are hard to find, you can substitute with unripe red tomatoes, but the flavor will differ slightly. To enhance the relish, try incorporating herbs like oregano or basil. Stir regularly while cooking to prevent sticking and achieve an even consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Tomato Relish makes a fantastic condiment for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for burgers. It pairs beautifully with Hiivaleipa (Finnish Bread) or can be served alongside cheese platters. Consider using it as a zesty addition to a salad, like Japanese Chicken Salad, for an unexpected twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Sweet Tomato Relish in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within a month for the best flavor. To reheat, simply warm it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. It can also be enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Tomato Relish contains roughly 1433 calories, with 23g protein, 271g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (548% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2585mg per serving (112% 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 ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?
While ripe tomatoes can be used, they will create a sweeter relish. Green tomatoes provide a tartness that balances the sugar, so if you choose ripe ones, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly to avoid an overly sweet flavor.
How long does this relish last once opened?
Once opened, the Sweet Tomato Relish should be refrigerated and consumed within a month for optimal freshness. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using, such as off smells or mold.
Can I add more spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Sweet Tomato Relish by adding spices like black pepper, mustard seeds, or even a touch of garlic powder. Just be mindful of the balance of flavors, especially with stronger spices that can dominate the relish.
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).