Pickle relish is a delightful condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. Whether you’re topping off a hot dog, dressing up a sandwich, or adding a tangy twist to potato salad, this Homemade Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish delivers the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Made with fresh cucumbers, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices, this relish is ideal for anyone who loves homemade condiments and wants to elevate their dishes.
Introduction
There’s something special about homemade condiments, and Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish is no exception. Unlike store-bought varieties, making your own relish allows you to control the ingredients, flavors, and texture. This relish offers the perfect combination of sweetness and spice, delivering a fresh and vibrant flavor that enhances a wide variety of dishes. Not only is this relish incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a great way to preserve cucumbers when they’re in season.
This zesty pickle relish recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, and any time you want to add a pop of flavor to your meals. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a condiment that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why Make Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish?
Homemade Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish is a game-changer in the world of condiments. Here are a few reasons why you should give this recipe a try:
- Freshness and Flavor: The vibrant flavor of freshly diced cucumbers, peppers, and onions beats anything you’ll find on the supermarket shelf. The balance of sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices gives it an irresistible sweet and spicy kick.
- Customizable Heat Level: The beauty of making your own relish is that you can adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a mild relish, you can scale back on the spice. If you love extra heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix.
- Healthier Option: Store-bought relishes often contain preservatives and artificial ingredients. By making your own, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your relish and can make it as healthy as possible. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan!
- Versatile: This relish isn’t just for hot dogs! It’s a versatile condiment that can be used in sandwiches, burgers, as a topping for grilled meats, or even mixed into salads.
- Simple Preservation: If you have a garden full of cucumbers or find yourself with a surplus after a farmer’s market trip, making this relish is a fantastic way to preserve them and enjoy their flavor throughout the year.
Ingredients List
To make this delicious homemade Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 large cucumbers, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon salt
These ingredients combine to create a balanced flavor profile of tangy, sweet, and spicy, with a slight crunch from the fresh vegetables and an aromatic depth from the spices.
Instructions for Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish
This Homemade Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish comes together in a few simple steps. Follow these directions for a relish that’s sure to impress:
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Begin by dicing the cucumbers, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion into small, uniform pieces. The smaller the dice, the better the texture of your relish will be.
- Place the diced vegetables in a large bowl.
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Salt and Sit:
- Sprinkle the diced vegetables with 1 tablespoon of salt, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Mix the vegetables well and let them sit for about 2 hours. The salt will draw out excess water from the vegetables, which helps prevent the relish from becoming too watery.
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Drain and Rinse:
- After 2 hours, drain the liquid from the vegetables and rinse them under cold water to remove any excess salt. This step is essential to maintain the perfect balance of flavors in your relish.
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Prepare the Relish Base:
- In a large pot, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon celery seeds, and 1 teaspoon turmeric.
- Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and allow the spices to release their flavor.
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Simmer with Vegetables:
- Once the relish base is boiling, add the drained vegetable mixture to the pot.
- Stir everything together and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure that all the vegetables are well-coated and infused with the relish flavors.
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Transfer and Cool:
- Carefully transfer the hot relish into sterilized jars, making sure to leave a little room at the top for the relish to expand as it cools.
- Seal the jars tightly and allow the relish to cool completely before refrigerating.
Storage: Your Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer preservation, you can process the jars in a water bath for canning.
Tips and Substitutions
Here are a few additional tips and possible substitutions to help you customize this relish to your liking:
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet relish, you can reduce the sugar to ¾ cup. Conversely, for a sweeter result, increase the sugar to 1¼ cups.
- Add Spice: For those who enjoy more heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering the relish.
- Vinegar Variations: Apple cider vinegar gives a nice tangy sweetness, but you can substitute it with white vinegar for a sharper flavor or rice vinegar for a milder, slightly sweet alternative.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, for instance, makes a great substitute for cucumbers. You can also add carrots for extra crunch and color.
Recipe Variations
You can modify this Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish recipe in various ways to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs:
- Garlic and Dill Pickle Relish: For a more savory and herbaceous twist, add minced garlic and fresh dill during the simmering process. This will give the relish a traditional dill pickle flavor with an extra kick.
- Extra Spicy Relish: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a few teaspoons of hot sauce to create an even spicier version of this relish. Perfect for those who love fiery flavors!
- Honey-Sweetened Relish: For a natural sweetener, substitute the sugar with honey. This variation adds a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the vinegar and spices.
- Herb-Infused Relish: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil for a fresh, green flavor that pairs well with grilled meats and fresh salads.
Nutritional Information
This Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish is not only flavorful but also low in calories. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional benefits:
- Calories: Approximately 40 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 9g (from the sugar and natural sugars in the vegetables)
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
This relish is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions. Additionally, it’s low in fat and calories, making it a healthy way to add flavor to your meals without unnecessary additives or preservatives.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips:
- For short-term use, store the relish in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in tightly sealed jars.
- For long-term storage, consider canning the relish using a water bath method. Properly canned, this relish can last up to a year in a cool, dark place.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this relish as a topping for hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches to add a punch of flavor.
- Mix it into potato salad or coleslaw for an extra tangy kick.
- Add a spoonful to grilled meats like pork chops or chicken for a burst of sweetness and spice.
- Use it as a unique topping for tacos or fish dishes for a fusion of flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use different types of peppers in this recipe? Yes! While red and green bell peppers are traditional, you can use yellow or orange bell peppers, or even add hot peppers like jalapeños for extra heat.
2. How do I make this relish spicier? To increase the spiciness, add more mustard seeds, include some red pepper flakes, or dice up a spicy pepper like a jalapeño or serrano.
3. Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, you can reduce the sugar to your preference. However, keep in mind that the sugar helps balance the vinegar’s acidity, so reducing it too much may alter the flavor.
4. How long does the relish last in the refrigerator? This relish will last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, you can process the jars using a water bath canning method.
5. Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar? Yes, white vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar, but the flavor will be sharper and less sweet.
Related Recipes
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy these other condiment and pickle recipes:
- Classic Dill Pickles – A crunchy and flavorful homemade pickle recipe perfect for snacking or sandwiches.
- Spicy Jalapeño Relish – A fiery and tangy relish for heat lovers.
- Sweet Onion Chutney – A caramelized onion chutney that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or cheese platters.
- Homemade Sauerkraut – A fermented, tangy side dish rich in probiotics.
Conclusion
This Homemade Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish is an easy-to-make, versatile condiment that brings vibrant flavors to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re grilling burgers for a backyard BBQ or simply looking to add a new layer of flavor to your meals, this relish is sure to become a household favorite. The combination of sweet cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and warming spices creates a delicious balance that’s hard to resist.
Don’t wait to try this recipe! Make a batch of this delicious relish today, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought options. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out more of our homemade condiment recipes and share your experience in the comments below!
