Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish

Oh, let me tell you about a little condiment that has completely transformed my meals: Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish! This is not just any relish; it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, making it an absolute must-have in my kitchen. Whether I’m topping burgers, mixing it into potato salad, or just spooning it over grilled meats, this relish brings a punch of flavor that keeps me coming back for more.

I still remember the first time I made it. It was a summer afternoon, and I had a bunch of fresh cucumbers and peppers from the farmers’ market. I decided to try something different—something that would give my sandwiches a serious flavor upgrade. The moment I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The crunch of the cucumbers, the slight tang from the vinegar, and that slow-building heat from the chili flakes? Absolute perfection!

What I love most about this relish is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or even use it as a dipping sauce. And let’s not forget how easy it is to make! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll have a homemade relish that beats anything you can find at the store.

What’s in Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish?

Grated Green Pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that balances out the heat.

Grated Pickling Cucumber: The heart of this relish! Pickling cucumbers hold their texture well, making each bite perfectly crisp.

Minced or Grated Onion: Brings a touch of sharpness that deepens the flavor profile.

Apple Cider Vinegar: The tangy base that ties everything together. It enhances the relish’s brightness and acts as a natural preservative.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the relish, cutting through the acidity and spice.

Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every ingredient shine.

Mustard Seeds: Provide a slight crunch and a hint of earthiness that pairs beautifully with the vinegar.

Celery Seeds: A small but mighty ingredient that adds a subtle, herbal note.

Red Chili Flakes: The secret to that spicy kick! You can adjust the amount to your liking.

Is Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish Good for You?

Absolutely! This relish isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with real ingredients that bring natural benefits.

Cucumbers & Peppers: These veggies are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Known for aiding digestion and balancing blood sugar levels.

Mustard & Celery Seeds: Provide anti-inflammatory properties and a boost of minerals.

The best part? You get all these benefits with zero artificial preservatives. Just be mindful of the sugar content if you’re watching your intake.

Ingredients

– 3 cups grated green pepper
– 3 cups grated pickling cucumber
– 1 cup minced or grated onion
– 2 cups apple cider vinegar, divided
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
– 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

Serves: Makes about 3-4 small jars (because trust me, one jar won’t be enough!)

How to Make Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish

Making this relish is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful condiment that can elevate any meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing the green peppers, cucumbers, and onions thoroughly. Using a box grater or a food processor, grate the green pepper and cucumbers. Then, finely mince or grate the onion. The finer the veggies, the smoother your relish will be.

Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables

In a large, non-reactive pot, combine the grated green pepper, grated cucumber, and minced onion. Pour in 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and stir everything together.

Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Let the vegetables cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until they soften and the liquid has reduced by about one-third. This step helps the flavors develop and gives the relish a nice texture.

Step 3: Drain and Add Flavor

Once the vegetables have softened, carefully drain the excess liquid from the pot. This ensures your relish isn’t too watery.

Return the vegetables to the pot and stir in the remaining 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds, and 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Relish

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This step helps dissolve the sugar and allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Step 5: Can the Relish

While the relish is simmering, sterilize your glass jars by placing them in boiling water for a few minutes. Once sterilized, carefully ladle the hot relish into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.

Seal the jars with sterilized lids and rings, then process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This helps preserve the relish, so it stays fresh for months!

Sweet Tips & Fun Variations

– Adjust the Spice Level: Love extra heat? Add more chili flakes! Prefer a milder relish? Reduce the amount or leave them out.
– Try Different Vinegars: Apple cider vinegar is my go-to, but white vinegar or even rice vinegar can bring a unique twist.
– Add Some Crunch: A handful of finely chopped carrots or radishes can add extra texture and color.
– Make It Sweeter or Tangier: Play around with the sugar and vinegar ratio to suit your taste.

This relish is a game-changer for sandwiches, burgers, and even grilled meats. Once you make it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions!

How to Make Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a large non-reactive pot, a grater or food processor, a fine-mesh strainer, sterilized glass jars, and a ladle.

Begin by washing the green peppers, cucumbers, and onion thoroughly. Since we’re leaving the skins on, it’s important to remove any dirt or residue.

Use a box grater or food processor to grate the green peppers and cucumbers into small, even pieces. Then, finely mince or grate the onion. If you prefer a chunkier relish, you can dice the vegetables instead.

Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables

In a large, non-reactive pot, add the grated green pepper, cucumber, and minced onion. Pour in 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and stir to combine.

Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their natural juices. During this time, the liquid will begin to reduce.

Step 3: Drain the Mixture

Once the vegetables have softened and the liquid has reduced by about one-third, carefully drain the mixture using a fine-mesh strainer. Discard the excess liquid to prevent your relish from becoming too watery.

Return the drained vegetables to the pot and get ready to add the remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Add Seasonings and Sweeteners

Now it’s time to enhance the flavor! Stir in:

• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar (the second half)

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon of kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds

• 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes

Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined. The sugar will help balance the acidity of the vinegar, while the mustard and celery seeds will add depth to the relish’s flavor.

Step 5: Cook the Relish

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the spices are evenly distributed.

At this point, your relish will have a rich, golden color and a thick consistency. The flavors will have blended together, creating the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.

Step 6: Sterilize and Fill the Jars

While the relish is cooking, prepare your sterilized glass jars. You can do this by placing the jars in boiling water for 5 minutes, then carefully removing them with tongs.

Using a ladle, carefully spoon the hot relish into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue.

Step 7: Seal and Process

Place sterilized lids and rings on each jar, sealing them tightly. Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are properly preserved.

After processing, remove the jars from the water and let them cool at room temperature. You’ll hear a popping sound as the lids seal—this means your relish is properly preserved and can be stored for months!

Sweet Tips & Fun Variations

✔ Want it spicier? Increase the red chili flakes to 1 ½ or 2 teaspoons for an extra kick.
✔ Prefer a smoother texture? Blend the relish slightly before canning for a more uniform consistency.
✔ Try different vinegars! White vinegar or rice vinegar can add a unique flavor twist.
✔ Experiment with add-ins. Diced carrots, radishes, or jalapeños can add extra crunch and color.

This Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish is the ultimate topping for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and even grilled meats. Once you try it, you’ll never want store-bought relish again!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does homemade Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish last?

If properly sealed and processed in a boiling water bath, this relish can last up to 12 months when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume it within 4 to 6 weeks for the best flavor.

2. Can I make this relish without canning?

Yes! If you don’t want to can it, simply store the relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks. However, for longer shelf life, canning is recommended.

3. Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness?

Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter relish, increase the sugar by ¼ to ½ cup. For a spicier version, add more red chili flakes or even a finely diced jalapeño. You can also reduce the sugar for a more tangy relish.

4. What are some creative ways to use this relish?

This relish is incredibly versatile! Try it on:

• Burgers and hot dogs for a sweet-spicy kick.

• Sandwiches and wraps to add a burst of flavor.

• Grilled meats, like chicken or beef, as a tangy topping.

• Egg salad or tuna salad for extra crunch and depth.

• Cheese and crackers as a unique appetizer.

This relish is more than just a condiment—it’s a flavor booster for so many dishes!