Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving a vibrant, tangy explosion of flavor that'll elevate any meal? Then look no further! This green tomato pickle relish recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic way to use up those green tomatoes that sometimes get left behind in the garden or at the farmer's market, transforming them into a deliciously addictive condiment. Perfect for adding a zesty kick to your favorite sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, or even as a vibrant addition to your Thanksgiving spread, this relish is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a quick, easy, and healthy homemade cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
This recipe delivers a flavorful and easy-to-make green tomato pickle relish, perfect for quick dinner ideas and busy weeknights.
- 2 lbs green tomatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious green tomato pickle relish, a delightful addition to your healthy meals:
-
Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dice the green tomatoes, chop the onion and green bell pepper. Make sure to chop them to a fairly consistent size for even cooking.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the diced green tomatoes, chopped onion, and green bell pepper. Add the vinegar, sugar, water, salt, celery seed, mustard seed, turmeric powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
-
Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the relish has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
-
Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the relish cool completely. Once cooled, you can transfer it to sterilized jars for storage in the refrigerator. This relish will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Green Tomato Pickle Relish:
-
For a smoother relish: You can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to partially puree the relish after it has cooled slightly. This will give it a smoother texture.
-
Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder relish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
-
Sterilize your jars: To ensure the longest shelf life, sterilize your jars and lids before filling them with the relish. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
-
Make it ahead: This relish tastes even better after a few days in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Variations:
- Spicy Relish: Add a few chopped jalapeƱos or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Sweet and Sour Relish: Increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups for a sweeter relish.
- Herby Relish: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like dill or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Fat: 0-1g
This green tomato pickle relish is a perfect example of delicious dishes created with simple ingredients and easy recipes. Enjoy this burst of flavor as a side dish, condiment, or even a unique addition to your favorite recipes. It's a great way to use seasonal ingredients and showcase homemade cooking at its finest. Try it today and experience the magic of transforming simple ingredients into culinary delight!