Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors made from fresh cucumbers. Perfect for brightening up sandwiches, burgers, or as a side for grilled meats, this relish is an essential addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or preserving it for the colder months, this recipe ensures that you have a tasty condiment ready for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it on hot dogs, burgers, or as a zesty addition to salads.
• Perfect for Preserving: Can it now and enjoy the taste of summer cucumbers year-round.
• Flavorful Twist: The combination of garlic and spices gives this relish a unique flavor profile that stands out.
• Healthier Option: Made with fresh ingredients, it’s a great alternative to store-bought relishes loaded with preservatives.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment makes all the difference when creating delicious homemade preserves.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-reactive pot
• Strainer
• Food processor (optional)
• Medium pot
• Hot water bath canner (for preserving)

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-reactive pot: Prevents any chemical reactions that could affect the flavor and color of your relish.
• Strainer: Essential for removing excess liquid from your cucumber mixture, ensuring the perfect texture.
• Food processor: Saves time in chopping vegetables while ensuring even consistency.
• Hot water bath canner: Crucial for safely preserving your relish for long-term storage.

Ingredients

Sweet and tangy relish made from garden fresh cucumbers. Make it to eat fresh or can it for later use throughout the year.

For the Cucumber Mixture

• 3 pounds Pickling Cucumbers or 4 pounds of Large Cucumbers
• 1 Large Sweet Onion
• 2 Tbsp Pickling or Kosher Salt

For the Brine

• 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 1/2 cups Sugar
• 4 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 teaspoons Dill Seed
• 2 teaspoons Mustard Seed
• 2 teaspoons Celery Seed
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric

How to Make Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

1. Slice the cucumber lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Discard the seeds.
2. Finely dice the cucumber and onion. I use my food processor, being careful not to process too long.

Step 2: Salting the Mixture

1. Place diced cucumbers and onions in a non-reactive pot and add the salt.
2. Stir well and let sit for 2 hours to draw out moisture.

Step 3: Draining Excess Liquid

1. Drain cucumber and onion mixture in a strainer until all liquid is removed.
2. Press gently against the strainer if necessary to eliminate hidden moisture.

Step 4: Making the Brine

1. In a medium pot, add vinegar, sugar, garlic, dill seed, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric.
2. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

1. Add the drained cucumber and onion mixture back into the boiling brine.
2. Return to a boil.

Step 6: Simmering the Relish

1. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
2. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t stick or burn.

Step 7: Storing Your Relish

1. Remove from heat once done cooking.
2. Cool completely before transferring to jars.
3. Store in refrigerator for up to 6 weeks or process in a hot water bath canner for 10 minutes.
4. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

With this Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe at hand, you are equipped to create delicious homemade condiments that elevate every meal!

How to Serve Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

Sweet pickle relish adds a delightful crunch and tangy flavor to many dishes. You can enjoy it in various ways, enhancing your meals with its unique taste.

On Sandwiches

• Add a generous spoonful of sweet pickle relish to sandwiches for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs especially well with turkey and chicken.

In Salads

• Mix sweet pickle relish into potato or egg salad. It gives a refreshing twist that brightens up these classic dishes.

As a Condiment

• Use sweet pickle relish as a topping for hot dogs or burgers. It complements the savory flavors perfectly.

With Cheese Platters

• Serve sweet pickle relish alongside cheese and crackers. The sweetness balances salty cheeses beautifully.

In Dips

• Incorporate sweet pickle relish into creamy dips for chips or vegetables. It adds a zesty kick that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

To achieve the best results with your sweet pickle relish recipe, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh cucumbers – Fresh cucumbers enhance the texture and flavor of your relish, ensuring a crisp bite.
• Adjust sugar to taste – Depending on your sweetness preference, feel free to increase or decrease the sugar amount in the recipe.
• Experiment with spices – Adding spices like coriander or black pepper can give your relish a unique flavor profile.
• Let it rest – Allowing the relish to sit for at least 24 hours before using allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Check acidity levels – Ensure your vinegar is strong enough (at least 5% acidity) to safely preserve the relish if canning.
• Label jars clearly – If you choose to can your relish, label jars with the date and contents for easy identification later on.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your sweet pickle relish recipe elevates any meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Coleslaw – A creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that complements the tanginess of the relish.
2. Baked Beans – Sweet baked beans balance nicely with the tartness of sweet pickle relish, creating harmony on your plate.
3. Cornbread – Serve warm cornbread alongside; its slight sweetness works well with the tangy flavors of the relish.
4. Potato Salad – A chilled potato salad enhances summer gatherings when paired with zesty sweet pickle relish.
5. Deviled Eggs – Adding a dollop of sweet pickle relish in deviled eggs elevates their flavor, making them irresistible.
6. Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies add smokiness that pairs perfectly with the freshness of sweet pickle relish.
7. Macaroni Salad – This classic dish benefits from the addition of sweet pickle relish, adding depth and interest.
8. Stuffed Peppers – Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and meat provide a hearty option that goes well with this versatile condiment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making sweet pickle relish can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, a few common mistakes can hinder your results.

• Ignoring the Salting Step: Skipping the salting process can lead to a watery relish. Always salt the cucumbers and let them drain, which enhances flavor and texture.
• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Old or wilted cucumbers can ruin the taste. Always use fresh pickling cucumbers for the best flavor and crunch.
• Overcooking the Mixture: Cooking for too long can make the relish mushy. Simmer just until everything is combined, ensuring a nice texture.
• Neglecting Sterilization: If canning, not sterilizing jars can lead to spoilage. Always ensure your jars are thoroughly cleaned and heated before filling them.
• Skipping Taste Testing: Not tasting your mixture before sealing it means missing out on adjusting flavors. Always taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The sweet pickle relish will last up to 6 weeks when refrigerated.

Freezing Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

• Sweet pickle relish can be frozen for longer storage.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It will keep well in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Reheating Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe

• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short increments of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the sweet pickle relish recipe that you might find helpful.

How do I make Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to your mixture before boiling. Adjust according to your heat preference.

Can I use other types of cucumbers for this Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe?

Yes! While pickling cucumbers are ideal, any firm cucumber variety will work. Just ensure they are fresh for the best results.

What is the best way to serve Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe?

This relish pairs wonderfully with sandwiches, burgers, or as a topping for salads. It’s also great on cheese platters!

How long does Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe last once opened?

Once opened and stored properly in the fridge, it lasts about 6 weeks. Always check for off smells before using.

Can I modify the sugar content in Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce sugar slightly or substitute with alternative sweeteners if desired. Just keep in mind that flavor may change.

Final Thoughts

The sweet pickle relish recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess that’s perfect for enhancing various dishes. This versatile condiment is great fresh or preserved, making it an excellent addition to your pantry. Feel free to customize with spices or additional veggies to create your unique twist!