Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

This sweet pickle relish recipe is a classic condiment that's perfect for elevating many dishes. It's a delightful blend of cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, and distinct spices, all preserved in a sweet vinegar solution. Perfect for adding a tangy crunch to your burgers, hot dogs, or any barbecue dish.

Photos of Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

Most ingredients in this recipe are typical pantry items, but a few may require a special trip to the supermarket. Pay particular attention to pickling salt and mustard seed. Pickling salt, unlike table salt, doesn't contain iodine or anti-caking agents, ensuring a clear brine for your relish. Mustard seed adds a distinctive flavor, and is often readily available in the spice aisle.

Ingredients Needed for Sweet Pickle Relish

Cucumbers: The main ingredient, adds a fresh crunch and takes on the flavors of the pickle brine well.

Onions: Adds a savory depth to the relish.

Red bell pepper: Brings color and a touch of sweetness.

Green bell pepper: Adds color and a slightly sharper flavor compared to the red bell pepper.

Pickling salt: Used to draw out moisture from the vegetables and helps to preserve the relish.

Cider vinegar: Provides acidity to the relish, gives it its characteristic tang, and acts as a preservative.

Celery seed: Gives a slight floral taste that complements the tangy vinegar.

Mustard seed: Adds a slight pungency and depth to the flavors.

White sugar: Balances the vinegar's acidity and brings out the vegetables' sweetness.

One reader, Emile Curtis says:

This sweet pickle relish recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors makes it a hit at every BBQ. The crunch of the cucumbers and peppers adds a delightful texture. It's so easy to make and tastes amazing on hot dogs and sandwiches. Highly recommended!

Emile Curtis

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Relish

How to prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the cucumbers, onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.

How to sterilize the jars and lids: Place the jars and lids in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Let them boil for at least 5 minutes to sterilize.

How to pack the relish into jars: Fill the sterilized jars with the prepared relish, leaving a ¼ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during processing.

How to process the jars: Lower the filled jars into the boiling water using a jar holder, ensuring there is at least 1 inch of water above the jar tops. Process for 10 minutes in boiling water to seal the jars properly.

How to check the seal: After the jars have cooled, press the top of each lid to ensure a tight seal. If the lid doesn't pop, the seal is secure.

How To Make Sweet Pickle Relish

Try whipping up your own tasteful sweet pickle relish to use on your favorite meals! It’s made with just a couple of ingredients for a tangy condiment.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Soak Time: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8cucumbers,chopped
2onions,chopped
1red bell pepper,chopped
1green bell pepper,chopped
½cuppickling salt
cold water,to cover
2cupscider vinegar
1tbspcelery seed
1tbspmustard seed
3½cupswhite sugar

Instructions

Combine the cucumbers, onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper in a large bowl.
Add the salt, then pour in enough cold water to cover.
Allow to soak for 2 hours. Afterwards, thoroughly drain the liquid in a colander.
Pour the vinegar into a large, heavy stainless steel pot, then add the celery seed and mustard seed.
Stir the sugar into the mixture, then bring to a boil, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the drained vegetable mixture, then return to a boil for 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat.
Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes.
Pack the relish into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within ¼ inch of the top.
Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles.
Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove food residue. Top with the lids, then screw on the rings.
Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water.
Bring to a boil, then lower the jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars.
Pour in more boiling water, if necessary, to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars.
Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, then process for 10 minutes.
Remove the jars from the stockpot, then place them onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool.
Press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight.
Serve relish on burgers or other dishes, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 282.35kcal
Fat: 0.61g
Saturated Fat: 0.11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.22g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.15g
Carbohydrates: 69.34g
Fiber: 1.86g
Sugar: 63.30g
Protein: 1.95g
Sodium: 791.46mg
Calcium: 53.39mg
Potassium: 405.14mg
Iron: 1.09mg
Vitamin A: 27.37µg
Vitamin C: 27.75mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Achieving the Ideal Relish Consistency

When making sweet pickle relish, it's important to ensure that the vegetables are thoroughly drained after soaking in the saltwater. Any excess water can dilute the vinegar mixture, affecting the overall flavor and consistency of the relish. To achieve this, after the initial draining, you can spread the vegetables out on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat dry. This extra step will help you achieve a perfectly balanced and flavorful relish.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Sweet Pickle Relish

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the vegetables the night before to save time on the day of making the relish.

Organize ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and equipment before starting to streamline the cooking process.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables instead of doing it by hand.

Multi-task: While the relish is cooking, use the time to clean and sterilize the jars and lids.

Label and date: Label the jars with the date of preparation for easy reference in the future.

Efficient packing: Fill the jars with the relish efficiently to save time and minimize mess.

Streamline boiling: Use multiple pots to sterilize the jars and lids simultaneously, saving time in the overall process.

Quick cooling: Speed up the cooling process by placing the hot jars in a cold water bath after processing.

Substitute Ingredients For Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be used as a substitute for cucumbers in pickle relish as they have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable replacement.
cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for cider vinegar in pickle relish, providing a slightly milder flavor while still maintaining the acidity required for the recipe.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for white sugar in pickle relish, adding a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the relish.

Creative Ways to Serve Sweet Pickle Relish

Elevate the relish with a stunning presentation: When plating the sweet pickle relish, consider using a beautiful serving platter or individual ramekins to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the relish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the relish with freshly picked dill or parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pop of fresh flavor.
Pair with artisanal crackers or bread: Serve the sweet pickle relish alongside a selection of artisanal crackers or freshly baked bread to provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Create a relish charcuterie board: Arrange the sweet pickle relish on a charcuterie board alongside an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and pickled vegetables for a visually stunning and appetizing presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: For a touch of sophistication, consider incorporating delicate and colorful edible flowers as a garnish. This adds a whimsical and artistic element to the presentation.
Serve in individual mini jars: Portion the sweet pickle relish into individual mini jars or glass containers for a personalized and charming presentation that exudes elegance and attention to detail.
Accompany with gourmet condiments: Offer a selection of gourmet mustards or chutneys alongside the sweet pickle relish to provide a diverse range of flavors and elevate the overall tasting experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Relish

Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
Colander: A bowl-shaped container with holes used for draining liquids from food.
Large pot: A large cooking pot used for boiling or simmering ingredients.
Sterilized jars and lids: Clean glass jars and lids used for storing the relish.
Stockpot: A large pot used for canning and processing the jars of relish.
Boiling water: Hot water used for sterilizing and processing the jars of relish.
Clean knife or thin spatula: Used for removing air bubbles from the filled jars of relish.
Paper towel: Used for wiping the rims of the jars before sealing.
Cloth-covered or wood surface: A surface for cooling and storing the processed jars of relish.
Holder: A tool used for lowering and lifting the jars into and out of the boiling water.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish

Once the sweet pickle relish has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers or mason jars. Make sure to leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers or jars with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when the relish was made.
If you plan to use the relish within a month, you can store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated.
For longer storage, place the containers or jars of relish in the freezer. Sweet pickle relish can be frozen for up to 6 months without losing its quality or flavor.
When you're ready to use the frozen relish, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur during the freezing process.
If you find that the relish has become watery after thawing, you can drain off the excess liquid before using it in your favorite recipes, such as potato salad, tuna salad, or deviled eggs.
To maintain the best quality and flavor, avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the relish. Instead, consider freezing it in smaller portions that you can use within a short period after thawing.

How To Reheat Leftover Sweet Pickle Relish

The best way to reheat leftover sweet pickle relish is to spoon the desired amount into a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until it reaches your desired temperature. Stir the relish before serving to ensure even heating.
If you prefer a stovetop method, place the desired amount of sweet pickle relish in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir the relish occasionally until it's heated through, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to let the relish boil, as this can alter its texture and flavor.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the sweet pickle relish by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in a bowl of hot water. Let the relish sit in the hot water for 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. This method is particularly useful if you only need a small amount of relish.
If you have a large amount of leftover sweet pickle relish, you can reheat it in a covered dish in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the relish in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until it's warmed through. Stir the relish before serving.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure not to overheat the sweet pickle relish, as this can cause it to become mushy and lose its distinct texture. Always reheat the relish until it's just warm enough to enjoy, and store any remaining relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Interesting Trivia About Sweet Pickle Relish

The sweet pickle relish recipe is a great way to preserve cucumbers and other vegetables. It's a versatile condiment that can be used in various dishes, adding a sweet and tangy flavor. This relish is a popular topping for hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches, and it can also be used to add flavor to potato salads and tuna salads. Additionally, the vinegar and sugar in the recipe act as natural preservatives, allowing the relish to be stored for an extended period. Making homemade relish is a simple and rewarding process, and it allows you to enjoy a delicious condiment made with fresh, natural ingredients.

Is Making Sweet Pickle Relish at Home Cost-Effective?

This sweet pickle relish recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers, are affordable and readily available. The addition of vinegar, sugar, and spices doesn't significantly increase the overall cost. With the ability to make a large batch, the cost per serving is minimal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, versatility, and delicious flavor.

Is Sweet Pickle Relish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This sweet pickle relish recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar content. The recipe calls for 3½ cups of white sugar, which is a significant amount considering the other ingredients. Consuming excessive amounts of added sugars can contribute to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Additionally, the recipe involves a considerable amount of salt (½ cup of pickling salt) for soaking the vegetables. Although most of the salt is likely drained away, the final product may still have a higher sodium content than desired, which can be problematic for individuals with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular concerns.

On the positive side, the relish does contain some nutritional value from the cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers, which provide vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The use of apple cider vinegar also adds a small amount of potential health benefits.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Start by cutting the sugar by half and adjust to taste. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.
Use less salt during the soaking process, or rinse the vegetables thoroughly after soaking to remove excess salt.
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the recipe to boost the nutritional value and fiber content.
Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, or turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can add depth to the flavor profile.

Editor's Opinion on This Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

The sweet pickle relish recipe is a classic and versatile condiment that adds a delightful tangy and sweet flavor to a variety of dishes. The combination of cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers creates a colorful and flavorful relish that is perfect for hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. The balance of vinegar, sugar, and spices creates a well-rounded and delicious relish that will elevate any dish it is added to. This homemade relish is a great way to add a personal touch to your meals and is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and adding your own twist to it!

Enhance Your Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Elevate your grilled corn on the cob by brushing it with a garlic herb butter before grilling for a burst of flavor.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Take your bacon-wrapped asparagus to the next level by adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.

Fruit Salad: Create a refreshing fruit salad by mixing together a variety of colorful fruits and topping it with a honey lime dressing for a sweet and tangy twist.

Similar Condiment Recipes to Try

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy texture will warm your soul.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a delicious and healthy option for a summer barbecue. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs create a flavorful marinade for the juicy chicken breasts.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and nutritious dessert option. The sweet mango and creamy coconut milk pair perfectly with the nutritious chia seeds for a guilt-free treat.

Why trust this Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe:

This sweet pickle relish recipe is a tried and tested favorite, crafted by a seasoned chef with a passion for preserving and pickling. The combination of fresh cucumbers, onions, and vibrant bell peppers, along with the perfect balance of cider vinegar and white sugar, ensures a delightful sweet and tangy flavor. The meticulous steps for sterilizing jars and processing the relish guarantee its safety and longevity. With a focus on quality ingredients and precise techniques, this recipe promises to deliver a delicious and trustworthy addition to any dish.

Share your thoughts and experiences with making sweet pickle relish in the Recipe Sharing forum section. Let's discuss tips, tricks, and variations on this classic condiment recipe!

FAQ:

How long does the sweet pickle relish need to soak?

The sweet pickle relish needs to soak for 2 hours.

How long should I process the jars in the boiling water bath?

Process the jars in the boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Can I use a different type of vinegar for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of vinegar, such as white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, based on your preference.

How long can I store the sweet pickle relish?

The sweet pickle relish can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Can I adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.