Tomato - Pear Relish
A vibrant and tangy relish combining ripe tomatoes and sweet ground pears, accented with green peppers, onions, and a touch of spice. Perfect as a condiment or side, it offers a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and savory zest, appealing to those who enjoy bold flavors with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except pimientos in a large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add pimientos during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Ladle hot relish into sterilized jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker relish, you can cook it longer or use a potato masher to break down the tomatoes and pears further. If you don't have green peppers, try using red or yellow for a sweeter flavor. You can also adjust the sugar to taste, especially if your tomatoes are very sweet or very acidic. This relish pairs beautifully with Quick Tomato Jam for a delightful spread.
Serving Suggestions
This Tomato - Pear Relish is perfect as a condiment for grilled meats or as a topping for crackers and cheese. It also adds a sweet and tangy contrast to savory dishes, such as Ranch Mashed Potatoes. Consider serving it alongside a charcuterie board or as a refreshing side with summer salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled relish in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, seal jars and process in a water bath canner. To reheat, simply scoop out the desired amount and warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato - Pear Relish contains roughly 415 calories, with 5g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2360mg per serving (103% 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 canned tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Choose whole or diced tomatoes, but be sure to drain excess liquid. Adjust the cooking time as needed since canned tomatoes may break down faster than fresh ones.
How can I make this relish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños during cooking. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level. Just be cautious, as it’s easier to add heat than to remove it!
Is this relish suitable for canning?
Absolutely! This relish can be canned for long-term storage. Be sure to follow safe canning practices, including sterilizing your jars and processing them in a water bath for the recommended time to ensure a proper seal.
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).