Red Hamburger Relish
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the zesty, homemade touch that a red hamburger relish brings to your meals. Whether you’re topping off a fresh-off-the-grill burger or adding some flavor to your hotdog, this relish recipe will take your meals up a notch. With fresh veggies, a touch of sweetness, and the perfect hint of tangy vinegar, this is a must-have classic condiment!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
– 10 cups of finely chopped red tomatoes
– 3 cups of finely chopped onions
– 4 cups of finely chopped red bell peppers
– 2 cups of finely chopped green peppers
– 5 cups of white sugar
– 1 1/2 cups of vinegar
– 1/2 cup of salt
– 1 tablespoon of mustard seed
– 1 teaspoon of celery seed
Prep Time
Preparing the red hamburger relish is a rewarding process, but it does need a bit of time investment. Begin by washing and finely chopping all your vegetables. Combine your chopped red tomatoes, onions, red bell peppers, and green peppers in a colander or large pot. Sprinkle with salt and allow this to sit for a few hours, draining off any excess liquid to achieve a great consistency in the final relish.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for this classic relish recipe is approximately 30 minutes. Your total time, including draining and boiling, will be around 4 hours from start to finish. Once completed, this recipe yields roughly 8 to 10 pint jars, depending on the consistency of the mixture when jarred. This makes it perfect for preserving and enjoying throughout the year!
This recipe invites classic homemade flavors straight to your kitchen table, delighting family and guests with every spoonful. Give it a try to elevate your next barbecue or family meal!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
1. Begin by finely dicing 10 medium-sized tomatoes, 3 red bell peppers, and 3 medium onions.
2. Place all the diced vegetables into a large mixing bowl for brining.
Brine the Vegetables
1. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of pickling salt over the vegetables in the bowl.
2. Let the mixture rest for 4 hours at room temperature to draw out excess moisture.
3. Once the time has elapsed, drain the brined vegetables well and gently squeeze out extra liquid using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
Create the Vinegar and Spice Mixture
1. In a large stock pot, combine 2 cups of white vinegar with 2 cups of sugar.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of mustard seed, 1 tablespoon of celery seed, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
3. Mix everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Cook the Relish
1. Once the vinegar and spice mixture is boiling, add the drained vegetables to the pot.
2. Stir well to ensure even distribution of the spices and liquid with the vegetables.
3. Lower the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Jars
1. Wash and sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rings by boiling them for several minutes or running them through a dishwasher cycle.
2. Keep the jars warm until they are ready to be filled.
Fill and Process the Jars
1. Carefully ladle the hot relish into the warm jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
2. Wipe the rims of the jars to remove any residue before sealing them with sterilized lids and rings.
3. Process the filled jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes. Ensure that the water level covers the jars by at least 1 inch during processing.
Cool and Store
1. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a towel or cooling rack.
2. Once cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the lids. If the lids do not pop back, the jars are sealed correctly.
3. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate any jars that did not seal properly and use them within 1-2 weeks.
Notes
About the Tomatoes
– If your tomatoes are particularly juicy, consider draining off some of the liquid before brining to avoid an overly watery relish.
Adjusting Spices
– You can customize the spice levels according to your preference. For a sweeter relish, increase the sugar slightly.
Safety Precautions
– Always ensure that your jars are properly sterilized and sealed to prevent contamination or spoilage.
Storing Canned Relish
– Properly sealed jars can be stored for up to one year, but it’s best to consume them within 8-12 months for optimal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
– This red hamburger relish pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches or as a tangy topping for grilled meats.
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Cook Techniques
Preparing the Ingredients
Ensure to chop all vegetables finely for a consistent texture in your relish. A food processor can make this step easier but avoid over-processing the vegetables into a puree.
Draining Excess Liquid
After salting the vegetables, let them sit and release extra liquid. Once finished, drain thoroughly to prevent the relish from becoming too watery during cooking.
Cooking the Relish
Combine the vegetables with vinegar and sugar in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Maintain a steady simmer while cooking to ensure even heating and avoid scorching at the bottom.
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the mixture as it cooks, especially for sweetness, tanginess, and spice. Adjust with additional sugar, vinegar, or spices as desired, keeping the balance of flavors intact.
Sterilizing Jars
Prepare mason jars and lids by washing them in hot, soapy water or running them through a dishwasher. Sterilize them further by placing jars in boiling water before filling with relish.
Canning the Relish
Using a water bath canner, process the filled jars for the appropriate amount of time. Ensure that jars are sealed properly and have a vacuum-tight lid after cooling.
FAQ
How can I ensure my relish doesn’t end up too watery?
Make sure to thoroughly drain the vegetables after salting. This step removes excess water, leading to a thicker and more flavorful relish.
Can I use a food processor to chop the vegetables?
Yes, a food processor is helpful to save time. However, be careful not to over-process the vegetables as this will affect the relish’s texture.
How long can I store the canned relish?
Properly canned and unopened jars of relish can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.
What if I don’t have a water bath canner?
You can use a large stockpot with a rack at the bottom to simulate a water bath canner. Ensure the jars are covered by at least an inch of water during the canning process.
Can I adjust the level of sweetness or spice?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar and spices to match your preference. Just ensure the overall balance of flavors is maintained.
What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?
You can experiment with other vegetables like green peppers or jalapeños for extra heat, but the core flavors come from the combination of tomatoes, onions, and celery.
Why do I need to sterilize the jars?
Sterilizing the jars ensures that bacteria and other impurities are removed, preventing spoilage and ensuring the safety of the relish for long-term storage.
What should I do if the jars don’t seal properly?
If the jars don’t seal, refrigerate the relish immediately and use it within a few weeks. Alternatively, reprocess the jars with new lids to achieve a proper seal.
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Conclusion
This red hamburger relish is a delightful addition to any meal, especially on a classic hamburger or hotdog. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile complements grilled meats and adds a homemade touch to your barbecue. Once you see how simple it is to prepare, you’ll want to keep a jar of this relish on hand at all times to elevate your dishes.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pickled Beets
Add a touch of sweetness and tang by trying pickled beets as a side dish or topping. The flavors pair wonderfully with grilled sandwiches or sausages.
Savoury Zucchini Relish
For a twist, consider making a zucchini relish. This works well with burgers and gives you another way to preserve fresh garden zucchini.
Tomato Salsa
Prepare a classic tomato salsa for a vibrant topping or dip. It’s another easy recipe that pairs well with tortilla chips or as a condiment for taco nights.
Homemade Dill Pickles
Make crisp and refreshing dill pickles. These are an all-time favorite, especially when served alongside sandwiches or burgers.
Sweet Corn Relish
Try this bright and sweet option for your next barbecue. Sweet corn relish complements grilled chicken and fish beautifully.
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