Name: Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3 cups grated green pepper; 3 cups grated pickling cucumber; 1 cup minced or grated onion; 2 cups apple cider vinegar, divided; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon mustard seeds; 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish

Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish is the perfect condiment to elevate your barbecue game. This homemade recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a kick of spice. It’s incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, or even as a side dish.

Packed with the crunch of cucumbers, the sweetness of bell peppers, and a hint of heat from chili flakes, this relish is a flavor explosion in every bite. The addition of mustard and celery seeds adds depth and complexity to the taste profile.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers impressive results. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own homemade relish, knowing exactly what goes into it.

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use a food processor to make this relish?
Absolutely! A food processor can speed up the process of grating the vegetables. Use a grating disc for best results.

How long will this relish keep?
If canned according to the recipe, the relish can be stored for up to a year. If stored in the refrigerator without canning, it will last for several weeks.

Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder relish, reduce the amount of red chili flakes. For those who enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the chili flakes or add a jalapeño pepper.

What other vegetables can I use in this recipe?
While green peppers and pickling cucumbers are traditional choices, you can experiment with other vegetables like onions, carrots, or even zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I freeze this relish?
While it’s possible to freeze relish, the texture might change after thawing. It’s generally recommended to can or refrigerate this recipe for best results.

What you need to make Sweet & Spicy Pickle Relish:

3 cups grated green pepper

3 cups grated pickling cucumber

1 cup minced or grated onion

2 cups apple cider vinegar, divided

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon celery seeds

1 teaspoon red chili flakes

How to make it:

Combine vegetables: In a large, non-reactive pot, combine the grated green pepper, cucumber, and onion.

Simmer vegetables: Stir in 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and bring to a simmer. Cook until the vegetables have softened and the liquid has reduced by about 1/3, about 30 minutes.

Drain and add remaining ingredients: Drain the vegetables, discarding the liquid. Return the vegetables to the pot. Add the remaining 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and red chili flakes.

Cook and can: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Ladle into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Seal with lids and rings. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Tips:

For a milder relish, reduce the amount of red chili flakes.

Experiment with different types of peppers for added flavor.

This relish can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks without canning.

Latest Reviews:

This sweet and spicy pickle relish is a total game-changer! The perfect balance of flavors. I’ve been using it on everything from burgers to sandwiches. A must-try! Kimmi W.

So glad I found this recipe! The relish is incredibly flavorful and has a nice kick. The canning instructions were clear and easy to follow. Definitely a keeper. Stacey P.

This relish is addictive! I love the crunch of the vegetables and the burst of flavor. It’s perfect for summer cookouts. I’ve already made it twice! Josh J.

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 4 jars