Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish

Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish

Spread the love

Introduction

Homemade sweet pickle relish is a delightful and classic condiment that enhances the flavor of a variety of your favorite dishes. Whether you’re serving it with burgers, hot dogs, or even mixing it into potato salad, this old-fashioned recipe offers a taste of comfort and tradition straight out of your kitchen. With a simple canning process, you can preserve a large batch to enjoy throughout the year. Let’s explore how to make this sweet, tangy, and versatile pickle relish at home.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

To create this old-fashioned sweet pickle relish, you need simple ingredients available in most pantries. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cucumbers – finely chopped to form the base of the relish
Sweet green peppers – add sweetness and vibrant color
Sweet red peppers – for a pop of red color and flavor
Onion – ensures a savory balance for the relish
Pickling salt – essential to enhance the natural flavors
Granulated sugar – gives the relish its characteristic sweetness
White vinegar – for preservation and tangy depth
Mustard seeds – a touch of spice and aroma
Celery seeds – for added texture and taste

Prep Time

The preparation for homemade sweet pickle relish continues the tradition of careful chopping and combining ingredients for maximum flavor. Allow yourself time to finely chop all the vegetables to get the best consistency for your relish. The total prep time is approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on your chopping speed.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: The actual cooking is relatively quick, with about 10 minutes of simmering to meld all the flavors together.
Total Time: Including prep and cooking, the entire process will take approximately 1 hour.
Yield: This recipe often yields several pints of sweet pickle relish, making it perfect for stocking up or gifting to friends and family.

Conclusion

Canning your own homemade sweet pickle relish is a rewarding experience that brings classic flavors to life. By combining fresh vegetables, a touch of sweetness, and the tang from vinegar, this relish recipe creates a condiment you will be proud to share and enjoy. Whether you’re new to canning or revisiting an old favorite, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen routine. Happy canning!

“`html

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop cucumbers, onions, and green and red bell peppers into small pieces. Use a food processor to ensure the vegetables are evenly diced, but be careful not to puree them.

Step 2: Soak Vegetables in Brine

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with pickling salt. Cover the mixture with cold water and let it sit for two hours to draw out excess moisture.

Step 3: Rinse and Drain

After soaking, drain the vegetables and rinse them thoroughly with cold water. Use a fine-mesh sieve or colander to ensure all the salt and water are removed. Let the vegetables drain well.

Step 4: Prepare the Relish Brine

In a large stockpot, combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, celery seed, ground turmeric, and ground cloves. Stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar and bring it to a boil.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Once the brine has reached a boil, add the drained vegetable mixture into the stockpot. Stir everything together and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Sterilize Jars

While the relish simmers, sterilize your canning jars and lids in boiling water, ensuring they are hot and sanitized before use. Place the jars on a clean towel to prevent cracking.

Step 7: Fill Jars

Use a ladle and funnel to fill each jar with the strained relish mixture, leaving ½ inch of headspace at the top of the jar. Remove any air bubbles by running a clean knife or spatula along the inside edge of the jar.

Step 8: Seal Jars

Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp cloth to ensure they’re clean, then place the sterilized lids on top. Secure the lids tightly with the jar rings.

Step 9: Process in Water Bath

Place the sealed jars into a canning pot or water bath canner, ensuring that the jars are fully submerged in boiling water. Process the jars for 10 minutes.

Step 10: Cool and Store

Remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a towel or heatproof surface. Allow the jars to cool completely. Check that the lids have sealed correctly by pressing down in the center—if the lid doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Note 1: Use Fresh Vegetables

For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, firm cucumbers and peppers when preparing this relish. Avoid overly ripe or soft vegetables.

Note 2: Adjust the Spice

If you prefer a less spicy relish, you can reduce or omit the ground cloves. Similarly, to make a sweeter relish, add more sugar to the brine.

Note 3: Test the Seal

Always test the jar seals before storing them long-term. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within a week.

Note 4: Storage Time

Properly sealed and stored jars of sweet pickle relish can last up to one year in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Note 5: Canning Safety

Ensure all equipment is sterilized to maintain food safety and prevent contamination during canning. Follow the water bath processing times carefully.
“`

Cook Techniques

Preparing the Cucumbers

Shred the cucumbers after peeling them, ensuring the texture is fine enough for relish consistency. Properly draining the excess liquid is essential to avoid watery relish.

Adding Salt to Extract Moisture

After shredding, combine the cucumbers with salt and let them sit. This step helps draw out additional water from the cucumbers, improving the texture of the final relish.

Rinsing and Draining

Rinse the salted cucumber mixture thoroughly and drain entirely, ensuring no excessive salt remains.

Combining Ingredients

Mix the cucumbers with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Be sure to stir well, allowing the flavors to mix evenly before cooking.

Cooking the Relish

Simmer the combined ingredients over medium heat for the specified time, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Sterilizing the Jars

Before transferring the relish into jars, ensure the jars are properly sterilized by boiling them or using another approved sterilization method.

Canning the Relish

Carefully fill the sterilized jars with the hot relish mixture, leaving the appropriate headspace. Seal the jars with lids and process them in a water bath canner to ensure a proper seal and longer shelf life.

FAQ

How long does homemade sweet pickle relish last?

Properly canned and sealed relish stored in a cool, dark place can last up to one year. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.

Can I adjust the sugar or vinegar levels in the recipe?

Adjusting the sugar slightly is possible to suit taste preferences, but avoid altering the vinegar quantity as it is essential for safe canning and preservation.

What if I don’t like some of the spices?

Spices can be adjusted or omitted based on personal taste, but remember that the overall flavor profile may change.

Do I need a water bath canner?

Yes, processing the jars in a water bath canner is necessary for properly preserving the relish and ensuring it is safe for long-term storage.

Can I use different kinds of cucumbers?

Yes, as long as they are fresh and firm. However, choosing smaller cucumbers with fewer seeds is recommended for the best texture.

What should I do if a jar doesn’t seal properly?

Any jar that doesn’t seal should be refrigerated immediately and used within a week instead of storing it long-term.

Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish
Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish

Conclusion

Homemade sweet pickle relish is a delightful and traditional recipe that adds a burst of flavor to your meals. It is simple to make, allows you to preserve the freshness of summer cucumbers, and brings a deliciously sweet and tangy twist to your dishes. This old-fashioned relish is a wonderful addition to burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or even as a creative topping for various appetizers. The ability to can and store it makes it a versatile pantry staple you can enjoy year-round. Experiment with its uses and share the joy of homemade relish with your family and friends!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Potato Salad with Sweet Pickle Relish

Add a few spoons of sweet pickle relish to your homemade potato salad for an extra burst of flavor that balances the creaminess with a hint of tangy sweetness.

Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

Mix sweet pickle relish into the egg yolk filling for deviled eggs to give them a sweet and tangy kick that elevates their taste.

Tuna Salad with Sweet Pickle Relish

Incorporate sweet pickle relish into your tuna salad recipe to add an extra dimension of flavor perfect for sandwiches or crackers.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Use your sweet pickle relish as a secret ingredient in your sweet and sour meatball sauce for a surprising depth of flavor.

Hot Dog Toppings Bar

Include sweet pickle relish as a must-have topping for hot dogs during cookouts to complement the savory flavors with a sweet note.

Hamburger Patties with Relish Infusion

Mix a few spoons of sweet pickle relish directly into the ground meat before forming your hamburger patties for a unique flavor twist.

Relish-Glazed Roasted Chicken

Create a glaze using sweet pickle relish, honey, and mustard to brush over roasted chicken for a tangy-sweet masterpiece.

Relish-Topped Appetizers

Spread sweet pickle relish on tiny crackers or crostini as a base for cheese or smoked salmon for easy-to-make party appetizers.

Coleslaw with Pickle Relish

Stir some sweet pickle relish into your coleslaw mixture to add a pop of sweetness and complement the crunchy vegetables.

Similar Posts