Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe - Homemade Classic Condiment

Craving a tangy, sweet, and utterly addictive condiment? This Sweet Pickle Relish recipe delivers exactly that! It’s the perfect homemade addition to hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and so much more. Ditch the store-bought stuff and experience the fresh, vibrant flavors of homemade relish. This recipe gives you complete control over the ingredients and the sweetness level. You will absolutely love the results. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or simply want to try something new, start making this Sweet Pickle Relish today.

Key Ingredients for Sweet Pickle Relish:

6 cups chopped cucumbers: Use pickling cucumbers or garden cucumbers. Ensure they are well-chopped (¼-inch dice). Remove the seeds if the cucumbers have particularly large seeds.
2 cups chopped onion: Yellow or white onions work well. Chop them finely, about ¼ inch dice.
2 cups chopped green bell pepper: Remove the seeds and membranes, then chop finely.
1 cup chopped red bell pepper: Remove the seeds and membranes, then chop finely.
1/4 cup pickling salt: This is crucial for drawing out excess moisture from the vegetables.
4 cups white vinegar: Use 5% acidity. White vinegar provides the tangy base for the relish.
3 cups granulated sugar: Adjust the amount to your preferred sweetness.
2 tablespoons mustard seeds: Adds a mild, characteristic flavor to the relish.
1 tablespoon celery seeds: Contributes a subtle celery-like aroma and flavor.
1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives the relish its yellow color and a warm flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a warm, aromatic spice note; use sparingly.
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a little kick if you like your relish with some heat.

How to Make Sweet Pickle Relish:

This sweet pickle relish recipe is not only simple to make, but also delivers a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor! With an estimate prep time of about 20 minutes and a cooking time of about 45 minutes, you’ll find it’s a fantastic way to use up those summer veggies. Follow our simple steps to make a tasty relish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the cucumbers, onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper into small, even pieces (approximately ¼-inch dice). This ensures even cooking and a pleasing texture.
Salt the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and pickling salt. Mix well, ensuring the salt is evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This process draws out excess moisture from the vegetables, resulting in a crispier relish.
Rinse and Drain: After the brining period, rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water to remove the salt. Drain the vegetables well using a colander and then pressing out any remaining excess liquid. This step is essential to prevent the relish from being overly salty.
Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed and drained vegetables, white vinegar, granulated sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, ground turmeric, ground cloves, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer the Relish: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are translucent and the relish has thickened slightly. Stir frequently during the simmering process to prevent burning.
Check for Doneness: The relish is ready when the vegetables are tender and the liquid has reduced to a slightly syrupy consistency. Taste and adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness by adding more sugar, vinegar, or red pepper flakes, if desired.
Process for Canning (Optional): If you plan to can the relish for long-term storage, prepare canning jars and lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ladle the hot relish into the hot jars, leaving ½ inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe the jar rims clean, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust processing time for altitude if necessary).
Cool and Store: If not canning, allow the relish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Pickle Relish:

This Sweet Pickle Relish is a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors that elevates any dish it graces. Its delightful crunch and balanced taste profile make it an irresistible addition to your culinary repertoire. Making your own relish at home also offers significant cost savings because store-bought jars can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you use it often. When you make it yourself, you control the quality of the ingredients and can customize the flavors to suit your preferences Perfectly balanced, it’s far more enjoyable than the sickly sweet versions found in stores.

Plus, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes creates a deliciously subtle kick that sets it apart from the ordinary. Similar to traditional dill pickle relish, this sweet version offers a satisfying contrast in flavors. Ready to experience the delightful difference of homemade Sweet Pickle Relish? Give this recipe a try and make a batch today!

What to Serve Sweet Pickle Relish With:

Sweet Pickle Relish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few suggestions on what to serve it with:

Hot Dogs and Sausages: A classic pairing! Sweet Pickle Relish adds a burst of flavor to grilled or boiled hot dogs and sausages.
Burgers and Sandwiches: Spread it on burgers or sandwiches for a tangy-sweet kick. It works especially well with grilled chicken or turkey sandwiches.
Deviled Eggs: Mix a spoonful into your deviled egg filling for added flavor and texture.
Potato Salad and Tuna Salad: Incorporate it into potato salad or tuna salad for a sweet and tangy twist.
Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork, or fish as a flavorful condiment.
Cheese and Crackers: Pair it with sharp cheddar or other cheeses for a delightful appetizer.

Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet Pickle Relish:

Use Fresh, High-Quality Vegetables: The better the quality of your cucumbers, onions, and peppers, the better your relish will taste.
Don’t Skip the Salting Process: Salting the vegetables is crucial for drawing out excess moisture, which results in a crisper relish.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your preferences. If you prefer a less sweet relish, reduce the amount of sugar.
Sterilize Your Jars: If you plan to can the relish, sterilize your jars and lids according to proper canning procedures to prevent spoilage.
Be Careful Not to Burn: When simmering the relish, stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
Spice it Up: To add subtle heat to this sweet pickle relish recipe, add a finely-diced fresh jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper when simmering.
Variety of Vinegar: You can use apple cider vinegar as a healthy alternative.
Alternative Sweeteners: Replace some sugar with honey for a different twist.

5 Facts about Sweet Pickle Relish:

Origins: Relish-making dates back centuries as a way to preserve vegetables.
Global Variations: Different cultures have their own unique versions of relish, using various vegetables, fruits, and spices.
Nutritional Benefits: Adds low-calorie flavor, introducing vitamins and some fiber to your diet.
Customization: You can adjust the flavor profile by changing the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy elements.
Versatility: Sweet Pickle Relish can be used beyond traditional pairings, enhancing dishes like salads and cheese boards.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2-3 weeks.
Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze relish, you can freeze it for longer storage. The texture may change slightly after thawing, becoming a little softer. Transfer the relish to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace to allow for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: No reheating needed. Sweet Pickle Relish is best served cold or at room temperature.
Proper Storage: Always use clean utensils when taking relish from the container to prevent contamination. Discard any relish that shows signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off odor.
Canning: For long term storage, can the relish using proper canning techniques.

Final Thoughts:

This Sweet Pickle Relish recipe delivers a burst of sweet and tangy goodness that will elevate your favorite meals. The fresh, homemade flavor is unmatched, and you’ll love having a jar of this delightful condiment on hand. From topping hot dogs to mixing into deviled eggs, the possibilities are endless. Give this recipe a try and discover the joy of homemade relish!

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Sweet Pickle Relish FAQs:

Q: Can I use regular salt instead of pickling salt?

A: Pickling salt is preferred because it doesn’t contain iodine, which can darken the vegetables and affect the flavor. However, you can use regular salt if that’s what you have, but the color of the relish may be slightly affected.

Q: How long does the relish last?

A: When stored properly in the refrigerator in an airtight container, homemade Sweet Pickle Relish will last for about 2-3 weeks. If you are canning the relish, it can last for a year or more.

Q: Can I use different vegetables?

A: While cucumbers are the traditional base for relish, you can experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even jalapeños for a spicier version.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. Start with less sugar and add more until you reach your desired sweetness.

Q: Do I have to process the relish for canning?

A: If you plan to store the relish at room temperature for longer than a few weeks, it’s essential to process it in a boiling water bath to ensure proper preservation. If you plan to keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few weeks, processing is not necessary.

Q: My relish is too watery. What can I do?

A: If your relish is too watery, you can simmer it for a longer time to reduce the liquid. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) towards the end of the cooking process to help it thicken.

Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe – Homemade Classic Condiment

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