Are you tired of boring condiments that make your burgers and hot dogs cry out for excitement? Get ready to transform your summer grilling game with this mouthwatering homemade relish that will have your guests begging for your secret recipe! This isn't just another condiment – it's a tangy, sweet, and crunchy flavor bomb that will elevate your barbecue from ordinary to extraordinary in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 pint
Ingredients
- Cucumbers
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Mustard seed
- Salt
Instructions
- Wash and finely dice the cucumbers, removing seeds and excess moisture. Aim for small, uniform pieces approximately 1/8 inch in size.
- Finely chop the onion and bell pepper into similar small, consistent pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the relish.
- In a large non-reactive saucepan, combine the diced cucumbers, onion, and bell pepper.
- Add vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, and salt to the vegetable mixture. Stir ingredients thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat and continue cooking for approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure the sugar dissolves completely and creates a slightly thickened consistency.
- Remove from heat when the relish reaches a glossy, slightly syrupy texture and vegetables are tender but still retain some crunch.
- Allow the relish to cool completely at room temperature, which will help it thicken further.
- Transfer the cooled relish to sterilized glass jars, leaving a small headspace. Seal tightly and refrigerate.
Tips
- Dice Uniformly: The key to a great relish is consistent vegetable sizes. Take your time chopping cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers into tiny, even pieces about 1/8 inch in size.
- Remove Cucumber Seeds: To prevent excess moisture, remove seeds before dicing. This helps maintain the perfect relish texture.
- Use a Non-Reactive Pan: Always use a stainless steel or enamel-coated pan to prevent any metallic taste from affecting your relish.
- Watch the Heat: Simmer gently – you want to soften the vegetables and meld flavors, not turn them into mush.
- Taste and Adjust: Feel free to tweak the sugar and vinegar ratio to suit your personal preference. Some like it sweeter, some tangier!
- Sterilize Your Jars: Properly sterilized jars ensure your relish stays fresh longer and prevents any unwanted bacterial growth.
- Let It Rest: Allow the relish to cool completely before jarring. This helps it thicken and allows flavors to develop fully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
