How to Make Sweet Relish from Pickles

Sweet relish is a tangy and sweet condiment that adds flavor to your favorite dishes. It is a perfect topping for burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. If you love pickles, then making sweet relish is a great way to use up any excess cucumbers you might have. With a few simple steps, you can turn pickles into a delicious condiment that will impress your friends and family.

To make sweet relish from pickles, you will need just a few ingredients and some basic cooking equipment. The process is straightforward and does not require any special skills. With a little bit of effort, you can make a big batch of sweet relish that will last you for a long time. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Pickles

When it comes to making sweet relish, choosing the right pickles is crucial. You want to make sure that the pickles you choose have the right crunch and flavor for your relish. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your pickles.

Pickles Types

There are two types of pickles that you can use to make relish: cucumbers and gherkins. Cucumbers are longer and have a thicker skin, while gherkins are smaller and have a thinner skin. Both work well for relish, but cucumbers tend to be a bit more flavorful.

Freshness

Pickles that are fresh will have a brighter color and firmer texture than older pickles. Look for pickles that have a crisp snap when you bend them. Avoid pickles that are soft or mushy.

Brine

The brine that the pickles are packed in can also affect their flavor. Look for pickles that are packed in a brine that is not too salty or too sweet. You want a balanced flavor that will complement the other ingredients in your relish.

Pickling Spice

Some pickles are packed with pickling spices that can add a lot of flavor to your relish. Look for pickles that are labeled as “spicy” or “zesty” if you want to add a little extra kick to your relish.

Organic vs. Non-Organic

You may also choose to use organic pickles for your relish. Organic pickles are made without the use of pesticides or other chemicals. They may have a slightly different flavor than non-organic pickles, so keep that in mind when selecting your pickles.

Quantity

Depending on the size of your recipe, you may need to purchase a large quantity of pickles. It’s a good idea to buy your pickles in bulk to save money and ensure that you have enough for your recipe.

Brands

Some brands of pickles are known for their quality and flavor. Ask around for recommendations or do some research online to find the best brands for making sweet relish.

Seedless or Seeded

You can also choose between seeded or seedless pickles. Seeded pickles will add a bit of texture to your relish, while seedless pickles will give you a smoother texture.

Slices or Spears

Finally, you can choose between pickle slices or pickle spears. Slices are easier to chop, but spears will give you a chunkier texture. Choose the type that works best for your recipe and personal preference.

Now that you know how to choose the right pickles for your sweet relish, it’s time to get started on the recipe!

What Ingredients Do You Need?

Making sweet relish is simple, and you only need a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare the relish:

1. Pickles- The first thing you’ll need is a jar of dill pickles. You can either buy them or make them yourself.

2. Onion- You’ll also need a medium-sized onion. A yellow onion will work fine, but you can use other onions if you prefer.

3. Bell Pepper- One large red or green bell pepper is required.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar- You’ll need a 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar.

5. Sugar- For this recipe, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.

6. Salt- A tablespoon of salt is required.

7. Mustard Seeds- You’ll need 2 tablespoons of mustard seeds.

8. Celery Seeds- 1 teaspoon of celery seeds are needed.

9. Garlic- Get 1-2 cloves of garlic.

10. Lemon- Finally, you’ll need a lemon to zest.

How to Prepare the Pickles and Onion

To begin making your sweet relish, start by slicing the pickles into small cubes. You can use a food processor if you have one to speed this process up. Once you’ve finished, place them in a mixing bowl.

Next, chop the onion into tiny pieces. You can also use a food processor here, but don’t puree the onion. The relish should still have the crunch of the vegetables in every bite. Add the onion to the mixing bowl.

Preparing the Bell Pepper

Chop the bell pepper into small pieces and add it to the mixing bowl. The bell pepper gives the relish its sweetness and crunch.

Preparing the Spice Mix

You’ll need to combine the sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, salt, garlic, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat while stirring. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves.

Mixing Everything Together

Next, you’ll need to pour the mixture over the pickles, onions, and bell peppers in the large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture until everything is evenly coated.

Resting Time

Once you’ve mixed everything together, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.

How to Store Your Sweet Pickle Relish

After you’ve made the relish, you’ll need to store it in a way that keeps it fresh. Here’s how:

1. Jar- Stored in a jar, the relish will last for up to three months. It’s important to sterilize the jars before storing the relish to remove any bacteria.

2. Freezer- You can also store the relish in small, freezer-safe plastic containers. The relish can be frozen for up to six months.

3. Refrigerator- If you plan to eat the relish within a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to a week in the fridge.

Sweet Pickle Relish Serving Suggestions

Sweet relish is a versatile condiment that can be used in many dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve sweet relish:

1. On burgers- Add sweet pickle relish to your burger for a sweet and tangy bite.

2. In tuna salad- Sweet relish is a great addition to tuna salad, giving it a delicious crunch and flavor.

3. In potato salad- Use sweet relish in your potato salad for a sweet tang.

4. With hot dogs- Top hot dogs with sweet relish for a summertime classic.

5. As a dip- Sweet relish makes a great dipping sauce for chips or veggies.

The Bottom Line

Sweet pickle relish is a fantastic condiment that enhances many dishes with its sweet and tangy flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can easily prepare your own delicious batch of sweet relish at home. Try out this recipe and surprise your family and friends with your homemade relish next time they come over for a cookout or gathering. Enjoy!

The Steps to Making Sweet Relish from Pickles

Congratulations! You now have all your ingredients ready to make your sweet relish. Below are five simple steps to follow:

Step 1: Chopping the Pickles, Onion, and Green Bell Pepper

Using a food processor or a vegetable chopper, finely chop the pickles, onion, and green bell pepper. Make sure that the sizes are even to ensure the consistency of your relish.

Step 2: Separating the Liquid from the Chopped Vegetables

Place the chopped vegetables in a clean and dry kitchen towel. Squeeze the towel until no more liquid comes out.

Step 3: Cooking the Relish Mixture

In a large saucepan, mix the apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Adding the Chopped Vegetables

Once the sugar has dissolved, add the chopped vegetables to the saucepan, and stir until everything is combined. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 30-40 minutes or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Storing Your Sweet Relish

Once the relish has reached your desired consistency, you can now transfer it into clean and sterilized jars. Refrigerate it for at least 24 hours before using to allow the flavors to meld together.

With these simple steps, you can now make your sweet relish from pickles and enjoy it with your favorite dishes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your taste. Happy cooking!

Enjoy Your Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish

Now that you know how to make your very own sweet pickle relish, it’s time to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills! Remember to always use fresh ingredients and follow the recipe closely to achieve the best result. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new today. Thanks for reading and be sure to check back for more exciting recipes and cooking tips! Happy pickling!