Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving a vibrant and flavorful addition to your meals? Look no further! This red pepper relish recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with fresh, zesty goodness, making it the perfect homemade accompaniment to grilled meats, tacos, fish, or even as a delicious topping for your favorite cheeses. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, adding a touch of homemade magic to your everyday meals and transforming them into delicious dishes. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion!
Ingredients:
This recipe provides enough red pepper relish for approximately 2 cups. Feel free to double or triple the recipe as needed for larger gatherings or to enjoy throughout the week.
- 2 large red bell peppers, finely diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar (granulated or brown)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
Let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create this amazing red pepper relish.
-
Prep the vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry the red bell peppers, red onion, and jalapeño pepper (if using). Finely dice the bell peppers and red onion. Mince the jalapeño, removing the seeds and membranes for less heat if desired. Mince the garlic. The finer you chop everything, the smoother the relish will be.
-
Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced red bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and minced garlic.
-
Simmer the relish: Add the white vinegar, sugar, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
-
Cook until thickened: Reduce the heat to low and let the relish simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers have softened and the liquid has slightly reduced and thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Cool and store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the relish cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This relish will keep for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to enjoy its vibrant flavors throughout the week.
Cooking Tips for the Best Red Pepper Relish:
-
For a smoother relish: You can pulse the cooked relish in a food processor for a few seconds to achieve a slightly smoother consistency. However, many people prefer the texture of the finely chopped vegetables.
-
Adjust the spice level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño pepper or omitting it altogether. If you prefer a spicier relish, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
-
Sweet and Sour Variations: Experiment with different types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar for a unique flavor profile. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preference. Adding a touch of honey or maple syrup can also create a delicious variation.
-
Make it your own: Feel free to add other ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Fresh herbs like oregano or basil would complement the relish beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories
- Fat: 2-3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
This red pepper relish is a fantastic addition to your healthy meals, a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights, and a delicious homemade treat. It's versatile, flavorful, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen! Enjoy!