Quick Homemade Relish : The Unforgettable Easy Condiment
We have created a quick homemade relish recipe, directly from the family book : a beautiful easy-to-make recipe, passed down by my grandmother. It will go wonderfully with your other condiments.
\nThe relish, a condiment made with pickles, is a cooked and marinated dish composed of vegetables, fruits or herbs, often used to enhance the flavors of a main dish. Among the most common examples, one finds the chutneys and American-style relish, a pickled cucumber preserve that traditionally accompanies hot dogs. In North America, the term « relish » often refers to a variety of relishes made with finely chopped pickles, marinated, such as dill pickle relish, onion relish or sweet relish.
\nThe kyopolou (Кьопоолу), a Balkan relish, is a preparation based on red peppers, eggplants and garlic. Relishes are usually made of visible pieces of vegetables or fruits in a sauce, although the sauce is secondary compared to solid ingredients. Herbs and seeds can also be added, and some relishes, such as chermoula, are entirely made from herbs and spices. The relish can be prepared with a single type of vegetable or fruit, or even a mix of several, cut more or less finely. Its texture varies depending on the cutting method, but it is generally less smooth than a condiment like ketchup. The relish has a pronounced flavor, which complements or enriches the taste of foods served with it.
\nThe homemade relish, for its part, is an essential ingredient to add an explosion of flavors to many dishes. Whether to accompany hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches or grilled meats, it brings that touch of acidity, sweetness and crunch that instantly transforms a meal. Unlike industrial versions often rich in preservatives and sugar, homemade relish allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your taste. By preparing your own relish, you can combine fresh vegetables and spices to create a flavorful and versatile condiment that will quickly become essential in your kitchen. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also keeps very well, allowing you to enjoy its unique flavor for several weeks.
Instructions
Step 1
1. Preparation of vegetables Start by carefully washing the cucumbers, red peppers, onion, and celery. Once washed, seed the cucumbers and peppers. Then finely chop all the vegetables. To achieve a more homogeneous texture, you can use a food processor, but be careful not to reduce the vegetables to a puree. They should retain a little crunch, which is characteristic of homemade relish.
Step 2
Once the vegetables are chopped, place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed. Let sit for about an hour. This step allows the vegetables to de-water, or remove some of their water. After an hour, rinse the vegetables under cold water to remove excess salt, then drain them well. You can press the vegetables in a clean cloth to eliminate any remaining water, which is important to prevent homemade relish from being too liquid.
Step 3
2. Preparation of the relish In a large saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, mustard powder, turmeric, and mustard seeds. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring regularly to dissolve the sugar and evenly incorporate the spices. Turmeric is the key ingredient that gives homemade relish its bright yellow color and subtle spicy flavor.
Step 4
Once the mixture is boiling, add the drained vegetables to the saucepan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the vegetables to absorb all the flavors of the spices and vinegar, while developing their own natural sweetness. Homemade relish should thicken slightly during cooking, achieving a perfect consistency for topping your favorite dishes.
Step 5
3. Storage in jars While the homemade relish is simmering, prepare your glass jars. It is essential to sterilize them to ensure optimal preservation of your homemade relish. To do this, submerge the jars and their lids in a large saucepan of boiling water for at least 10 minutes. Let them air dry on a clean towel.
Step 6
Once cooking is complete, pour the hot homemade relish into sterilized jars, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly with the lids. You can then process the jars in a water bath to extend their shelf life, but this is not necessary if you plan to consume the homemade relish within weeks.
Step 7
4. Storage Homemade relish should cool completely at room temperature before being stored in a cool, dark place. Homemade relish will keep for several months, but once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within two weeks.
Our Tips
Chef's tips for making this recipe
Sweet and Spicy Relish : add a pinch of Cayenne pepper or finely chopped red pepper.
Dill Version : add 1 tablespoon of fresh or dried dill for a more herbaceous taste.
Pickle Relish : replace part of the cucumbers with chopped pickles.
Crispy Relish : add 1 grated carrot for a more varied texture.
Smoky Relish : incorporate 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Lemon Relish : add the zest of a lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for more freshness.
Spicy Relish : replace the red bell pepper with green bell pepper and add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Asian Relish : add a little fresh grated ginger and a tablespoon of soy sauce.
Garlic Relish : add 1 or 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.
Lightened Sweet Relish : reduce the sugar quantity by half and replace with honey.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade relish is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a touch of flair to a multitude of dishes. Preparing your own relish allows not only to master the quality of ingredients, but also to experiment with flavors according to your personal tastes. Whether for a summer barbecue, to enhance a simple sandwich or to add an original note to grilled meats, homemade relish is a must-have in every kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 question about this recipe
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Sweet and Spicy Relish : add a pinch of Cayenne pepper or finely chopped red pepper.
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Dill Version : add 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried dill for a more herby taste.
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Pickle Relish : replace some of the cucumbers with chopped pickles.
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Crunchy Relish : add 1 grated carrot for a more varied texture.
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Smoked Relish : add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
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Lemon Relish : add the zest of a lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for more freshness.
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Spicy Relish : replace the red bell pepper with green bell pepper and add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
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Asian Relish : add a little fresh grated ginger and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
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Garlic Relish : add 1 or 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.
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Lightened Sweet Relish : reduce the sugar quantity by half and replace with honey.
Skill Progression
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