Description: A vibrant and tangy relish that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. This pickled pepper and onion relish is the perfect condiment to brighten up your meals, with the crispness of bell peppers and the bite of onions balanced by a sweet and sour brine. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to make, transforming ordinary sandwiches, burgers, and salads into culinary delights. Plus, it keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can enjoy it for weeks. The simple yet effective pickling process preserves the freshness of the vegetables while infusing them with a delightful combination of spices and tanginess. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, packing a picnic, or just looking to elevate your everyday meals, this relish is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. Get ready to savor the perfect blend of textures and flavors!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed bell peppers, thinly sliced (use a variety of colors for visual appeal)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or red onions work well)
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying all the bell peppers and onions. Remove the stems and seeds from the bell peppers, then thinly slice them. Peel the onions and thinly slice them as well. For the bell peppers, try to use a mix of colors (red, yellow, green, and orange) to make the relish more visually appealing and to provide a more diverse flavor profile. Place the sliced bell peppers and onions into a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the Pickling Brine:
In a medium to large saucepan, combine the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). The combination of white vinegar and apple cider vinegar provides a balanced tartness, while the sugar adds the necessary sweetness to complement the sourness. The mustard and celery seeds lend a subtle, aromatic spice, and the turmeric provides a beautiful color and mild flavor.
Step 3: Dissolve the Sugar and Salt:
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This is crucial to ensure that the pickling brine is smooth and evenly flavored. Avoid boiling the mixture at this stage; simply heat it enough to dissolve the sugar and salt.
Step 4: Simmer the Brine:
Once the sugar and salt are dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering the brine allows the flavors of the spices to meld together, creating a more complex and cohesive flavor profile. Be careful not to let the brine boil vigorously, as this can affect the final texture and taste.
Step 5: Combine Vegetables and Brine:
Carefully pour the hot pickling brine over the sliced peppers and onions in the large bowl. Ensure that all the vegetables are completely submerged in the brine. If necessary, use a clean spoon or spatula to gently press the vegetables down into the brine. This step is critical for proper pickling, as the brine needs to penetrate all the vegetables evenly.
Step 6: Cool to Room Temperature:
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This may take an hour or two. Cooling the mixture slowly helps the vegetables absorb the brine, enhancing the flavor and texture of the relish. Avoid placing the hot mixture directly into the refrigerator, as this can affect the quality of the relish and potentially damage your refrigerator.
Step 7: Transfer to Jars or Containers:
Once the relish has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to clean jars or airtight containers. Make sure the jars or containers are thoroughly cleaned and dried before use. Ladle the relish into the jars, ensuring that the vegetables are evenly distributed and fully submerged in the brine. Leave a little headspace at the top of each jar.
Step 8: Refrigerate and Marinate:
Seal the jars or containers tightly and refrigerate them. Allow the relish to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before using. The longer the relish marinates, the more the flavors will meld together, resulting in a richer and more flavorful relish. For the best results, let it marinate for 2-3 days.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy:
After the marinating period, the pickled pepper and onion relish is ready to be served. Use it as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or salads, or enjoy it straight from the jar as a flavorful condiment. The relish will keep well in the refrigerator for several weeks, and the flavor will continue to develop over time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This pickled pepper and onion relish recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it to add a pop of flavor to a wide variety of dishes, from simple sandwiches and burgers to more elaborate salads and grilled meats. The combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors makes it a perfect complement to many different cuisines.
Secondly, this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort. The preparation is straightforward, and the cooking time is short. Most of the work is done by the pickling process, which allows the flavors to meld together over time. This means you can prepare a batch of relish in advance and have it on hand whenever you need it.
Thirdly, the homemade quality of this relish is unmatched. Unlike store-bought versions, you have complete control over the ingredients and can adjust the flavors to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it sweeter, spicier, or tangier, you can customize the recipe to create the perfect relish for your palate.
Finally, this relish is a great way to use up excess vegetables. If you have an abundance of bell peppers and onions in your garden or refrigerator, this recipe is a fantastic way to preserve them and turn them into a delicious and useful condiment. It’s a practical and sustainable way to make the most of your produce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a spoonful of pickled pepper and onion relish to your favorite sandwiches and wraps for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It pairs especially well with grilled chicken, turkey, ham, or vegetarian fillings.
- Burgers: Top your burgers with this relish to elevate them to gourmet status. The tangy and sweet flavors of the relish complement the richness of the beef and add a refreshing contrast to the other burger toppings.
- Salads: Use the relish as a vibrant and flavorful addition to salads. It works well with green salads, potato salads, pasta salads, and grain bowls.
- Grilled Meats and Vegetables: Serve the relish alongside grilled meats and vegetables as a condiment. It pairs particularly well with grilled sausages, chicken, pork, and eggplant.
- Cheese Boards: Include the relish on a cheese board for a sweet and tangy accompaniment to various cheeses. It complements both soft and hard cheeses and adds a pop of color to the presentation.
- Tacos and Quesadillas: Spoon the relish into tacos and quesadillas for a burst of flavor. It works well with both meat and vegetarian fillings and adds a refreshing tang to the dish.
- Hot Dogs: Elevate your hot dogs by topping them with this flavorful relish. It’s a delicious alternative to traditional hot dog toppings like ketchup and mustard.
Tips:
- Vegetable Selection: Choose a variety of bell pepper colors for a visually appealing and flavorful relish. Red, yellow, green, and orange bell peppers each have slightly different flavor profiles, adding complexity to the relish.
- Onion Choice: You can use either yellow or red onions for this recipe, depending on your preference. Yellow onions have a milder flavor and caramelize well, while red onions have a sharper flavor and add a pop of color.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. If you like a milder relish, omit the red pepper flakes altogether. If you prefer a spicier relish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vinegar Balance: The combination of white vinegar and apple cider vinegar provides a balanced tartness. You can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for unique flavor variations.
- Sugar Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preference. If you prefer a less sweet relish, reduce the amount of sugar slightly. If you prefer a sweeter relish, add a bit more sugar.
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, allow the relish to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before using. The longer the relish marinates, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Storage: Store the pickled pepper and onion relish in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for several weeks, and the flavor will continue to develop over time.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: The following values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 60-80 calories per 1/4 cup serving
- Protein: Less than 1 gram per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 100-150 mg per serving
Conclusion
This pickled pepper and onion relish recipe is a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire. It’s versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking to elevate your sandwiches, burgers, salads, or grilled meats, this relish is sure to impress. With its vibrant colors, tangy taste, and satisfying crunch, it’s a culinary delight that you’ll want to have on hand at all times. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors in every bite. Bon appétit!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of peppers in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of peppers to customize the flavor of your relish. Jalapeños, banana peppers, or even poblano peppers can be added for varying levels of heat and flavor complexity. Just remember to adjust the amount of each pepper based on your preference for spiciness.
Q2: How long does this relish last in the refrigerator?
A: When stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator, this pickled pepper and onion relish can last for several weeks, typically up to 2-3 months. The vinegar and sugar act as preservatives, helping to maintain the quality and flavor of the relish over time. However, always check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor or unusual texture, before consuming.
Q3: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can certainly reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe to suit your taste preferences. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and adds a touch of sweetness to the relish. However, you can reduce the amount by up to 25% without significantly affecting the overall flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that reducing the sugar may also slightly reduce the shelf life of the relish.
Q4: Is it necessary to use both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar?
A: While the combination of white vinegar and apple cider vinegar provides a balanced tartness and flavor profile, you can use just one type of vinegar if you prefer. White vinegar offers a clean, crisp tartness, while apple cider vinegar adds a slightly fruity and mellow flavor. If you only have one type of vinegar on hand, you can use it exclusively, but be mindful of the overall flavor balance and adjust the amount of sugar or spices accordingly.
Q5: Can I can this relish for long-term storage?
A: Yes, you can can this relish for long-term storage using proper canning techniques. To ensure safety and prevent spoilage, it’s essential to follow a tested canning recipe and use sterilized jars and equipment. Consult a reliable canning resource, such as the National Center for Home Food Preservation, for detailed instructions on processing pickled relishes safely. When canned properly, this relish can be stored at room temperature for up to a year or more.
