Delicious and Easy Pickle Relish Recipes for Canning
Pickle relish is a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed with everything from hot dogs and hamburgers to sandwiches and salads. It's also a great way to preserve your garden's bounty of cucumbers. Making your own pickle relish at home is easy and allows you to control the ingredients and flavor. This article will guide you through a few delicious and easy pickle relish recipes perfect for canning.
Basic Pickle Relish
This recipe is a classic and provides a great foundation for experimentation.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs cucumbers (pickling variety recommended)
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 1 cup green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and trim the cucumbers, then slice them into thin rounds or chop them coarsely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pack into Jars: Use a canning funnel to pack the hot relish into sterilized pint jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
- Process: Wipe the jar rims clean, seal with lids and bands, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the canner, cool, and check for seals. Store your relish in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish
This recipe adds a touch of heat to the classic relish.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs cucumbers (pickling variety recommended)
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 1 cup green bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Follow the instructions for the Basic Pickle Relish recipe, but add the red pepper flakes with the other spices.
Dill Pickle Relish
This recipe uses dill for a more traditional pickle flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs cucumbers (pickling variety recommended)
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 1 cup green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 2 tablespoons dill seed
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
Instructions:
Follow the instructions for the Basic Pickle Relish recipe, adding the dill seeds and fresh dill with the other spices.
Tips for Success:
- Use Pickling Cucumbers: Pickling cucumbers are firm and have a lower water content, which produces a crispier relish.
- Sterilize Jars and Lids: Cleanliness is essential for successful canning. Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water before using.
- Use a Canning Funnel: A canning funnel makes it easier to fill jars without spills.
- Leave Headspace: Leave 1/2 inch headspace at the top of the jar to allow for expansion during processing.
- Process Properly: Follow the recommended processing times and methods for safe canning.
- Cool Slowly: Let jars cool slowly to prevent breakage.
Enjoy your homemade pickle relish on sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, or as a delicious topping for your favorite dishes!
