Best Homemade sweet pickle relish: canning recipe

Easy Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe: A Delicious Homemade Condiment

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Pickle Relish Recipe – Welcome to your go-to guide for making the best sweet pickle relish at home! This easy sweet pickle relish recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, offering a simple yet delicious way to elevate your meals. Whether you’re looking to enhance hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, or salads, this homemade pickle relish adds the perfect touch of tangy sweetness to any dish.

Crafting your own sweet pickle relish is not only incredibly satisfying but also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. With fresh cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions combined with aromatic spices and a hint of sugar, this relish strikes a perfect balance that will have your taste buds singing.

One of the best things about this homemade sweet relish recipe is how straightforward it is. You don’t need any advanced cooking skills or special equipment—just follow the easy steps and you’ll have jars of delicious sweet pickle relish ready to enjoy or gift to friends and family. Plus, this recipe is perfect for canning, meaning you can preserve the vibrant flavors of summer to enjoy all year round.

Homemade sweet pickle relish 

This relish is not only a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire but also a crowd-pleaser at barbecues, picnics, and holiday gatherings.

So, let’s dive into this easy sweet pickle relish recipe and discover just how simple and rewarding homemade canning can be. Your sandwiches, burgers, and taste buds will thank you!

This simple, incredibly versatile, and absolutely delicious homemade dill pickle relish recipe is a must-try! Complete with canning instructions, you can savor this relish throughout the year.

It’s relishes like this that take a sandwich or vegan hot dog to the next level. It also brings a delightful touch to your pasta and potato salads.

What is pickle relish made of

Pickle relish is made from a mix of finely diced cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers. These veggies are often combined with garlic and a variety of spices like dill seeds, mustard seeds, and turmeric to add flavor. The mixture is then soaked in a tangy solution of vinegar and sugar, which gives the relish its distinctive sweet and sour taste. The result is a crunchy, flavorful condiment that’s perfect for adding a burst of zest to hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, and more. It’s a great way to use up summer cucumbers and enjoy their taste all year long!

Sweet pickles canning recipe equipment 

For canning sweet pickles, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment to ensure a safe and successful process. Here’s a list of canning supplies to get you started:

1. Canning Jars: Glass jars with lids and bands, typically pint-sized or half-pint-sized, specifically designed for canning. You need canning jars for all canning recipes that require water bath canning and similar. 

2. Jar Lifter: A tool to safely lift hot jars in and out of the canner.

3. Lid Wand: A magnetic tool to lift sterilized lids out of hot water without touching them. Optional, but great if you don’t have a jar lifter to get the hot jars out of the hot water bath without burning yourself. 

4. Canning Funnel: A wide-mouth funnel to help fill jars without spilling.

5. Bubble Remover/Headspace Tool: A plastic or wooden tool to remove air bubbles and measure the headspace in the jars.

6. Large Pot or Water Bath Canner: A deep pot with a rack that holds the jars and allows them to be submerged in boiling water.

7. Stock Pot: A large pot for preparing the pickle brine and cooking the cucumbers.

Extra equipment

8. Clean Towels: For wiping jar rims and handling hot jars.

9. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.

10. Ladle: For pouring hot brine into jars.

11. Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping cucumbers and other vegetables.

Having these tools on hand will make the canning process smoother and more efficient, helping you create delicious, shelf-stable sweet pickles to enjoy year-round.

Pickle relish recipe for canning ingredients 

1. Cucumbers (2½ lbs or 1.13 kg)

    •    The star of our pickle relish! These cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and finely diced, provide the crunchy base and refreshing flavor that makes relish so delightful. I like to use pickling cucumbers from the grocery store to make my sweet relish extra crunchy. You can also regular cucumber, dark green cucumbers , or English cucumbers if they are firm.  Just wash cucumbers before using them to make this tasty fresh pickle relish.

2. Yellow Onion (1 large, about 1 cup or 150 grams)

    •    Adds a savory depth and a bit of sweetness. The finely diced onion blends beautifully, enhancing the relish’s flavor profile.

3. Red Bell Peppers (2 small, about 1 cup or 150 grams)

    •    Sweet pepper bring a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that complements the cucumbers. Their fine dice ensures a uniform texture. And the peppers sweetness are essential in creating the sweet pickle flavor in the natural relish. Alternatively, you can swap one of the red sweet peppers with a green pepper. The green bell peppers adds a more tangy flavor to the homemade relish. Whereas the red bell pepper adds a sweet peppery flavor to the homemade pickles. 

4. Garlic (3 cloves, finely minced, about 1 tablespoon or 15 grams)

    •    Infuses the relish with aromatic and savory notes. Minced garlic distributes its potent flavor throughout the relish pickle recipe.

5. Kosher salt or Pickling Salt (¼ cup or 72 grams)

    •    Essential for drawing out moisture from the veggies, enhancing flavor, and preserving the relish. Choose salt without additives for best results.

6. White Vinegar (3 cups or 720 ml)

    •    The backbone of pickling! Vinegar provides the tangy, acidic environment needed to preserve the relish and give it that classic zesty flavor. It’s the essential homemade relish ingredient! And it’s what gives this great relish its unique Amish Sweet Pickle relish recipe flavor.

7. Sugar (½ cup or 100 grams, optional)

    •    Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a touch of sweetness. Adjust to taste if you prefer a less sweet relish.

8. Dill Seeds (2 teaspoons or 4 grams)

    •    Dill seed imparts a slightly grassy, aromatic flavor that’s quintessential in pickle relish, giving it that traditional dill pickle taste.

9. Yellow Mustard Seeds (1 tablespoon or 9 grams)

    •    Mustard seed adds a subtle spicy warmth and a bit of texture. Mustard seeds contribute to the complex flavor profile of the relish.

10. Celery Seeds (2 teaspoons or 4 grams)

    •    Celery seed offers a hint of earthiness and a slight bitterness that complements the other spices, enhancing the overall taste.

11. Turmeric (½ teaspoon or 1 gram)

    •    Turmeric powder Provides a beautiful golden color and a mild, earthy flavor, adding to the visual appeal and taste of the relish. You can omit turmeric from the Amish Sweet Pickle relish recipe if you prefer. You will still get a tasty relish without it thanks to the onion mixture and the peppers.

12. Bay Leaves (2)

    •    Infuses the relish with a subtle, herbal aroma. They are removed before serving, leaving behind their delicate flavor.

13. Dried Chili Flakes (Optional)

    •    For a little kick! Add a pinch if you like your relish with a bit of heat. This optional ingredient lets you customize the spiciness to your liking. Alternatively you can substitute the chili flakes with 1-2 Jalapeño peppers, finely chopped. Adding Jalapeños to the ingredient list gives the homemade dill relish a delicious spicy kick. If you are a fan of spicy pickles then try adding these peppers to this easy canning recipe! It’s a delicious way to turn your pickle recipes into a hot relish mixture!

These ingredients come together to create a delicious, tangy, and slightly sweet pickle relish that’s perfect for topping burgers, hot dogs, or adding to your favorite dishes. Enjoy making your easy pickle relish!

Pickle relish recipe tips and tricks 

1. Choose Fresh Cucumbers:

    •    Start with fresh, firm cucumbers for the best texture and flavor. Avoid overripe cucumbers as they can be too soft and watery.

2. Uniform Dice:

    •    Ensure all your veggies are finely and uniformly diced. This not only makes for a better texture but also helps the flavors blend evenly.

3. Salt Soak:

    •    After dicing, sprinkle the cucumbers with kosher or pickling salt and let them sit for a few hours. This draws out excess moisture, which you can then drain off to avoid a watery relish. Use a fine mesh strainer to drain the chopped cucumbers of excess liquid. 

4. Adjust Sweetness:

    •    Customize the sugar level to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet relish, reduce the sugar or leave it out entirely. You can always add more sugar later if needed.

5. Sterilize Jars:

    •    Ensure your jars and lids are properly sterilized before canning to prevent contamination and extend shelf life. Boil them in water for at least 10 minutes.

6. Use a Food Processor:

    •    To save time on chopping, use a food processor for dicing the cucumbers, onions, and peppers. Just be careful not to over-process; you want small pieces, not a puree.

7. Taste as You Go:

    •    Adjust seasonings to your preference. Taste the mixture before canning, and tweak the salt, sugar, or spices as needed.

8. Simmer Gently:

    •    When cooking the relish, simmer it gently to meld the flavors without breaking down the vegetables too much. This helps maintain a nice texture.

9. Add Spices Later:

    •    For a more pronounced spice flavor, you can add half the spices at the beginning of cooking and the rest just before finishing. This layers the flavors more effectively.

10. Label and Date:

    •    Once your relish is canned and cooled, label each jar with the date it was made. This helps you keep track of freshness and enjoy your relish at its best.

11. Experiment with Add-ins:

    •    Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs like coriander seeds, thyme, or a bit of ginger for a unique twist on your relish.

12. Safety First:

    •    If you’re new to canning, follow proper canning procedures to ensure safety. The USDA has excellent resources for home canning to help guide you through the process.

13. Rest Time:

    •    Allow the relish to sit for at least a week before eating. This resting period lets the flavors meld and develop, giving you a richer, more complex taste.

Follow these tips and tricks, and you’ll be on your way to making a delicious, tangy, and perfectly balanced pickle relish that’s sure to impress! Happy pickling!

Easy Pickle Relish recipe 

Discover the delightful crunch and tangy-sweet flavor of homemade sweet pickle relish with this easy recipe. Perfect for adding a burst of freshness to your favorite dishes, this relish is a versatile condiment that enhances hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, and more. Made with simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own relish, free from additives and full of flavor, with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for canning, this recipe ensures you have a delicious supply ready for any occasion. Let’s get started on this sweet culinary adventure!

• 2½ lbs (1.13 kg) cucumbers (weighed prior to peeling and seeding), peeled, center row of seeds removed, and finely diced
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup or 150 grams)
• 2 small red bell peppers, finely diced (about 1 cup or 150 grams)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 1 tablespoon or 15 grams)
• ¼ cup (72 grams) kosher or pickling salt (neither of these have additives which is important to avoid when canning)
• 3 cups (720 ml) white vinegar
• ½ cup (100 grams) sugar (optional or use less according to taste)
• 2 teaspoons (4 grams) dill seeds
• 1 tablespoon (9 grams) yellow mustard seeds
• 2 teaspoons (4 grams) celery seeds
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) turmeric
• 2 bay leaves
• Optional: a pinch of dried chili flakes or 1-2  jalapeño peppers, chopped 

How to make Sweet Pickles Canning recipe 

    1.    Prepare the Cucumber Mixture:

• Place the finely diced cucumbers, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into a large mixing bowl.
• Sprinkle the kosher or pickling salt over the vegetable mixture.
• Pour enough water over the mixture to completely cover the vegetables.
• Let this mixture sit for at least 6 hours or, for best results, leave it overnight. This step helps to draw out excess moisture from the vegetables, enhancing the final texture of the relish.

    2.    Drain and Rinse:

• After the soaking period, drain the cucumber mixture using a colander.
• Rinse the mixture thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt.
• Allow the mixture to drain completely again to ensure most of the water is removed.

    3.    Prepare the Vinegar and Spice Mixture:

• In a large stock pot, combine the sugar, white vinegar, dill seeds, yellow mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and bay leaves.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse into the vinegar.

    4.    Cook the Relish:

• Add the well-drained cucumber mixture to the pot with the vinegar and spices.
• Return the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• After simmering, remove and discard the bay leaves.

    5.    Fill the Jars:

• Carefully ladle the hot relish into hot, sterilized jars. Leave about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) of headspace at the top of each jar to allow for expansion.
• Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe jar rims to remove any residue or relish that might prevent a proper seal.
• Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.

    6.    Process the Jars:

• Place the filled jars into a boiling water bath canner. Ensure that the jars are fully submerged and covered with at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water.
• Bring the water to a rolling boil and process the jars for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.

    7.    Store the Relish:

• After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a towel or cooling rack. Let them cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
• Check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed properly.
• Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. For any jars that did not seal properly, refrigerate and use within a month.

    8.    Enjoy the Relish:

• For the best flavor, allow the relish to sit for at least a week before eating. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld and the vinegar to mellow, resulting in a more balanced and delicious relish.

This recipe makes approximately 4 pints of relish. You can use pint-sized or half-pint jars according to your preference.

Pickle Relish recipe flavor variations

Here are some tasty flavor variations and add-ins to elevate your pickle relish game:

Delicious Pickle Relish Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

1. Sweet and Spicy:

   – Add a kick to your relish by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat, balanced with a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness.

2. Smoky BBQ:

   – Infuse your relish with smoky flavors by adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. It pairs perfectly with grilled vegan meats and sandwiches.

3. Zesty Garlic Dill:

   – Amp up the garlic flavor by adding extra cloves or roasted garlic. Fresh dill or dill weed adds a burst of herbal freshness to complement the garlic.

4. Tangy Mustard:

   – Introduce tangy mustard flavors by stirring in a spoonful of prepared mustard or ground mustard powder. It adds depth and complexity to your relish.

5. Fruity Twist:

   – Experiment with diced fruit like mango, pineapple, or peaches for a sweet and fruity relish variation. Balance the sweetness with a splash of vinegar.

6. Mediterranean Medley:

   – Combine diced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired relish bursting with savory flavors.

7. Asian Fusion:

   – Mix in grated ginger, soy sauce, and a dash of rice vinegar for an Asian-inspired relish with a unique umami kick.

More delicious pickle relish flavors and add-ins

8. Pickled Pepper Relish:

   – Replace some of the cucumbers with a variety of pickled peppers, like banana peppers, cherry peppers, or jalapeños, for a tangy and spicy relish.

9. Herbal Infusion:

   – Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint for a vibrant and aromatic twist on traditional relish.

10. Pickleback Inspired:

   – Channel the classic whiskey shot by adding a splash of pickle juice or brine to your relish for an extra tangy kick.

11. Fennel and Orange:

   – Combine finely diced fennel bulb and segments of orange for a refreshing and aromatic relish with a hint of citrus.

12. Cranberry Apple:

   – Incorporate diced apples and dried cranberries for a sweet and tart relish that’s perfect for holiday spreads.

13. Curry Kick:

   – Spice up your relish with curry powder or curry paste for a bold and exotic flavor profile that pairs well with grilled meats and sandwiches.

Get creative with your pickle relish and don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, tangy, or savory, there’s a relish variation out there for everyone to enjoy!

Ways to eat Sweet Pickle Relish 

Here are some delicious vegetarian ways to enjoy sweet pickled relish:

1. Veggie Dogs or Veggie Burgers: Top your favorite vegetarian hot dogs or burgers with a generous dollop of sweet pickled relish for a burst of tangy flavor.

2. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Spread sweet pickled relish onto your grilled cheese sandwiches for a sweet and tangy twist that pairs perfectly with gooey melted cheese.

3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Mix sweet pickled relish into a filling of cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced veggies, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until tender for a flavorful vegetarian meal.

4. Potato Salad: Add sweet pickled relish to your favorite vegetarian potato salad recipe for an extra burst of flavor and tanginess.

5. Tofu or Tempeh Tacos: Use sweet pickled relish as a topping for vegetarian tacos filled with seasoned tofu or tempeh, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado.

6. Falafel Wraps: Spread sweet pickled relish onto warm pita bread or wraps filled with crispy falafel, hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber slices for a delicious vegetarian meal.

More delicious ways to eat sweet dill pickles 

7. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches: Mix sweet pickled relish into mashed chickpeas along with vegan mayo, diced celery, red onion, and seasonings, then use as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

8. Summer Rolls: Fill rice paper wrappers with a mix of vermicelli noodles, shredded lettuce, cucumber, carrots, fresh herbs, and sweet pickled relish for a refreshing and flavorful vegetarian appetizer or light meal.

9. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Brush sweet pickled relish onto grilled vegetable skewers before serving for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.

10. Vegetarian Antipasto Platter: Serve sweet pickled relish alongside marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, olives, cherry tomatoes, and crusty bread for a delicious vegetarian antipasto platter.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless! Experiment with incorporating sweet pickled relish into your favorite vegetarian dishes to add a tasty twist.

How to store Canned Pickle Relish 

Storing canned pickle relish properly is essential to maintain its quality and safety. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cooling and Sealing: After canning, allow the jars of pickle relish to cool at room temperature. You’ll hear a popping sound as the lids seal properly. Check the lids for any signs of leakage or bulging, which could indicate spoilage.

2. Labeling: Label each jar with the date it was canned. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you use the oldest jars first.

3. Storage Location: Store canned pickle relish in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, as this can cause the relish to degrade more quickly.

4. Temperature: Aim for a consistent temperature of around 50 to 70°F (10 to 21°C). Fluctuations in temperature can affect the quality of the relish and may lead to spoilage.

5. Shelf Life: Properly canned pickle relish can last for up to one year or even longer if stored correctly. However, it’s best to consume it within a year for the best quality and flavor.

6. Check for Spoilage: Before consuming canned pickle relish, always check for signs of spoilage such as off odors, mold growth, or changes in color or texture. If you notice any of these signs, discard the relish immediately.

By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your homemade canned pickle relish safely and deliciously for months to come!

How long do dill pickles last

Properly canned or refrigerated dill pickles can last for quite some time. When canned and stored in a cool, dark place, dill pickles can maintain their quality for up to 1 to 2 years. However, for best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to consume them within the first year. Once opened, refrigerated dill pickles typically remain good for about 1 to 2 months, as long as they are kept submerged in their brine and stored in the refrigerator. Always check for signs of spoilage such as off odors, mold growth, or changes in color or texture before consuming dill pickles that have been stored for an extended period.

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Pickle Relish recipe FAQ

Pickle relish FAQ

Tasty sides to serve with Easy pickle relish

• Greek salad
• Roasted brussels sprouts
• Sesame roasted potatoes
• Sweet potato fries
• Oven roasted potatoes 
• Dump sheet mushrooms and vegetables
• Colorful couscous salad

Breads to serve with Delicious Dairy Free relish

• Vegan garlic bread 
• 1 hour focaccia bread
• Easy Yeastless naan

Sauces, dips and gravy recipes you might like

• Béarnaise sauce
• Vegan aioli 
• Whiskey sauce
• Best vegan gravy
• Low carb keto salsa

DID YOU MAKE THIS EASY PICKLE RELISH RECIPE?

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