Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making your own sweet and spicy pickle relish lets you customize the heat and sweetness to your liking. It’s fresh, vibrant, and free from preservatives found in store-bought versions. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and adds a burst of flavor that elevates simple dishes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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4 cups finely chopped dill pickles (about 6 medium pickles)
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1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
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1/2 cup finely chopped onion
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup white vinegar
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1 tsp mustard seeds
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1/2 tsp celery seeds
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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1/2 tsp turmeric
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
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Finely chop dill pickles, green bell pepper, and onion. Combine in a large bowl.
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Cook the Relish:
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In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, and turmeric.
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Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
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Combine and Simmer:
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Add the chopped vegetables to the saucepan.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
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Cool and Store:
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Remove from heat and let cool.
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Transfer to clean jars or containers.
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Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using to let flavors meld.
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Servings and Timing
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Yield: About 4 cups
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes (plus 24 hours resting time)
Variations
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Mild Version: Reduce or omit crushed red pepper flakes for less heat.
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Extra Crunch: Add chopped celery for additional texture.
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Spiced Up: Include chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for more spice.
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Sweet Twist: Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for deeper flavor.
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Vegan-Friendly: Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep relish refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as texture may change.
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Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature; no reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill pickles?
Dill pickles provide the classic tang, but sweet pickles can be used for a sweeter relish.
How long does homemade relish last?
Stored properly in the fridge, it lasts up to 3 weeks.
Can I can this relish for longer storage?
Yes, follow proper canning procedures to preserve safely.
Can I make this relish without onions?
Yes, omit onions if preferred or substitute with shallots.
How spicy is this relish?
The heat level depends on the amount of crushed red pepper flakes; adjust to taste.
Can I use fresh peppers instead of bell peppers?
Yes, but consider the heat level and adjust accordingly.
Is this relish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar adds a slightly different flavor but works well.
How can I make the relish thicker?
Simmer a bit longer to reduce liquid and thicken the relish.
Can I add herbs?
Fresh dill or parsley can be added after cooking for extra freshness.
Conclusion
Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish is a vibrant, tangy, and flavorful condiment that enhances a variety of dishes with its perfect blend of sweetness and heat. Easy to prepare and customizable, this homemade relish is a delicious way to add zest to your meals while controlling the ingredients and flavor. Keep it on hand to elevate sandwiches, burgers, and more!
Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Condimen
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Sweet and Spicy Pickle Relish is a tangy and flavorful homemade condiment combining the crunch of fresh dill pickles with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This zesty relish, infused with mustard seeds, celery seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes, is ideal for topping burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or mixing into dips and salads. Quick to prepare and free from preservatives, it adds vibrant texture and bold flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
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4 cups finely chopped dill pickles (about 6 medium pickles)
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1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
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1/2 cup finely chopped onion
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup white vinegar
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1 tsp mustard seeds
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1/2 tsp celery seeds
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
Finely chop dill pickles, green bell pepper, and onion. Combine in a large bowl. -
Cook the Relish:
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, and turmeric. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. -
Combine and Simmer:
Add chopped vegetables to the saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. -
Cool and Store:
Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to clean jars or containers. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Reduce or omit crushed red pepper flakes for a mild version.Add chopped celery for extra crunch.Include jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.Substitute brown sugar for a richer sweetness.Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
