Tangy Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish Recipe: Zesty Homemade Joy!

Pickle relish brings a burst of vibrant flavor to any sandwich or barbecue spread.

Summer gardens overflow with crisp cucumbers perfect for crafting this tangy sweet & spicy pickle relish recipe packed with zesty goodness.

Fresh vegetables chopped into delicate pieces create a condiment that dances on your taste buds.

The combination of vinegar, sugar, and spices infuses each bite with a complex, mouthwatering profile.

Homemade relish elevates simple dishes from ordinary to extraordinary with its bright, fresh ingredients.

Each spoonful promises a delightful balance of sweet heat and tangy crunch.

You won’t believe how easy it is to transform garden produce into this irresistible condiment that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 70 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish

• Cucumbers: Crisp base that adds refreshing texture and traditional pickle foundation, choose firm and dark green specimens without blemishes.
• Red Bell Pepper: Vibrant color booster with sweet undertones, select glossy peppers with smooth skin and no soft spots.
• Onion: Provides sharp flavor depth and aromatic base, pick firm onions without sprouting or bruising.

• Sugar: Balances tangy vinegar and mellows overall taste, use granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
• Vinegar: Creates preservation environment and adds signature pickle tanginess, opt for white or apple cider vinegar with clear appearance.
• Mustard Seeds: Introduce subtle spicy undertone and classic pickle complexity, choose whole seeds for better flavor release.
• Celery Seeds: Contribute earthy, herbaceous notes and traditional pickle profile, ensure seeds are fresh and fragrant.
• Turmeric: Provides golden color and subtle warmth, select bright yellow powder without clumping.
• Red Chili Flakes: Inject spicy kick and excitement, choose bright red flakes for maximum heat and color.

• Salt: Draws moisture from vegetables and helps initial preservation, use kosher or pickling salt without additives.

Tools You’ll Need for Pickle Relish

• Large bowl: For mixing and salting vegetables.
• Colander or strainer: For rinsing and draining vegetables.
• Large pot: Essential for cooking relish mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Sterilized glass jars with lids: For storing and preserving relish.
• Cutting board: Chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Dicing cucumbers, peppers, and onions.
• Canning tongs (optional): Handling hot jars safely.

Make Pickle Relish Without Any Hassle

• Prep Garden Veggies

Chop cucumbers, red bell peppers, and onions into tiny pieces. Toss them in a bowl with a sprinkle of salt and let them chill for 1-2 hours to release extra moisture. This helps create a crisp, flavorful relish.

• Create Tangy Base

Mix sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and red chili flakes in a large pot. Heat until the sugar melts and the mixture starts bubbling with excitement. This is where the begins!

• Combine and Simmer

Drain the veggie mixture and add it to the hot liquid. Let everything dance together at a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.

• Jar and Preserve

Carefully pour the hot relish into clean, sterilized jars. Leave a small space at the top. For long-term storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This locks in all the delicious flavors.

• Cool and Store

Allow jars to cool completely at room temperature. Tuck them away in a cool, dark spot where they’ll stay fresh for up to a year. Once opened, keep in the refrigerator and enjoy within a month.

How to Customize Your Pickle Relish Flavor

• For extra crisp relish, soak diced vegetables in ice water for 30 minutes before salting to maintain texture and prevent softening.
• Reduce or increase red chili flakes based on heat preference – start with half the amount for milder flavor or double for serious heat lovers.
• Always use sterilized glass jars with new lids to ensure food safety and prevent bacterial growth during storage.
• Create a low-sugar version by replacing sugar with monk fruit sweetener or using half the recommended sugar amount without compromising overall taste.
• Experiment with additional herbs like fresh dill or tarragon to create unique flavor profiles that complement different dishes and cuisines.

Serve Pickle Relish in Unique Ways

• Picnic Perfect Plate Companion: Pair this zesty relish with grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, or bratwurst for an instant flavor boost that'll make your backyard barbecue sing.
• Charcuterie Champion: Serve alongside cured meats, sharp cheeses, and crisp crackers to create a tantalizing appetizer spread that'll wow your guests with its bold, sweet-spicy profile.
• Sandwich Sidekick: Elevate your deli sandwiches, turkey burgers, or veggie wraps by adding a generous spoonful of this vibrant relish for an unexpected kick of flavor and crunch.
• Gourmet Garnish Groove: Use as a bright, zippy topping for grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even as a dynamic condiment to jazz up simple salads and grain bowls.

Pickle Relish Storage and Usage Tips

• Keep unopened jars in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain maximum flavor and quality.
• After opening, transfer a small portion to a separate container for easy access, leaving the main jar sealed to extend overall freshness.
• Allow the relish to sit in the refrigerator for 48 hours before initial serving to let spices and ingredients meld together, enhancing taste complexity.
• Use clean, dry utensils when scooping relish to prevent bacterial contamination and maintain the condiment's integrity throughout storage duration.

FAQs

• How do I know if the vegetables are properly salted and drained?

After sprinkling salt, the vegetables should release liquid and look slightly wilted. When you rinse them, make sure to drain completely using a colander or clean kitchen towel. The vegetables should feel dry and not soggy.

• Why do I need to add mustard and celery seeds to the relish?

These seeds add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Mustard seeds bring a tangy, slightly sharp taste, while celery seeds contribute a subtle earthy note that enhances the overall taste of the relish.

• Can I adjust the spice level in this relish?

Yes, you can control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili flakes. Start with a small quantity and taste as you go. If you prefer mild relish, use less chili flakes; for a spicier version, add more.

• Is it necessary to use a water bath for canning?

While not mandatory, a water bath ensures better preservation and extends the shelf life of your relish. If you plan to store the relish for several months, processing jars in boiling water helps create a proper seal and prevents bacterial growth.

Tangy Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade sweet & spicy pickle relish brings zesty flavor to summer barbecues and sandwiches. Crisp cucumber, onion, and jalapeño create a condiment that elevates classic dishes with balanced heat and tangy sweetness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar
• 4 cups (500 g) cucumbers, finely diced
• 1 cup (150 g) red bell pepper, finely diced
• ½ cup (75 g) onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsps salt
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• ½ tsp celery seeds
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (adjust for spice level)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Uniformly dice cucumbers, red bell pepper, and onion into petite, consistent pieces to guarantee balanced texture and flavor profile.
2. Salting: Combine chopped vegetables in a spacious bowl, thoroughly coat with salt, and let rest for 90-120 minutes to extract excess moisture through natural osmosis.
3. Rinsing: Meticulously rinse salted vegetables under cold water, draining completely through a fine-mesh strainer to remove all residual salt.
4. Liquid Creation: In a sturdy pot, merge sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and red chili flakes over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves into a harmonious liquid.
5. Simmering: Gently fold drained vegetables into the aromatic liquid, maintaining a low simmer for 12-15 minutes and stirring intermittently to prevent adherence and ensure even cooking.
6. Jarring: Transfer steaming relish into sanitized glass containers, leaving a half-inch headspace to facilitate proper sealing and preservation.
7. Processing: Submerge sealed jars in a vigorous boiling water bath for exactly 10 minutes to guarantee airtight preservation and eliminate potential contamination.
8. Cooling & Storage: Allow jars to cool naturally at room temperature, creating a robust vacuum seal, and store in a dark, cool pantry for up to 12 months.
9. Consumption: After opening, refrigerate relish and consume within four weeks to maintain peak flavor and quality.

Notes

• Precise Chopping Technique: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every bite, using a sharp knife for clean, even cuts.
• Salt Extraction Method: Generously salt vegetables to draw out excess moisture, which prevents a watery relish and concentrates the flavor profile.
• Careful Simmering Strategy: Maintain a low, gentle simmer when cooking to prevent burning and allow ingredients to meld together smoothly without losing their vibrant colors.
• Sterilization Safety: Always use thoroughly cleaned and sterilized glass jars to prevent bacterial growth and extend the relish’s shelf life, ensuring food safety and preservation quality.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 65
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 2000 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg