Use up those cucumbers in this easy homemade pickle relish recipe for canning. Pickle relish is that zesty, slightly sweet, and delightfully crunchy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to your burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and more.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your own delicious pickle relish, you’re in for a treat.
No need to be a master chef with our simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll be canning your very own pickle relish like a pro in no time.
It’s that time of year again. Whether you have a garden of your own, a generous neighbor, or a local farmer market, this canning recipe is a delicious and great way to preserve fresh produce.
Pickle Relish Recipe for Canning
While store-bought options are convenient, there’s something truly satisfying about creating your own from scratch. Not only do you get to control the ingredients and flavors, but you also experience the joy of preserving summer’s vibrant produce to enjoy year-round.
Step-by-Step Canning Recipe
In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll break down the process of making homemade pickle relish into bite-sized steps that even a budding chef can understand.
From selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the art of canning, we’ve got you covered. Unlock the secrets of crafting your very own pickle relish through a fun and rewarding canning experience. It is easier than you may think.
Selecting Fresh Ingredients
Selecting the freshest ingredients is essential for creating a delicious and high-quality pickle relish. Here are some tips to help you choose the best produce for your recipe.
Cucumbers. Look for firm fresh cucumbers with bright, vibrant green skin. Avoid cucumbers that are overly soft, wrinkled, or have yellow spots. Choose cucumbers that are free from blemishes and bruises.
Peppers. Opt for sweet peppers that have smooth, shiny skin and vibrant color. Avoid peppers with wrinkled or dull skin. Select green peppers and red peppers that feel heavy for their size, as this indicates they are juicy and fresh.
Onions. Choose onions that are firm and have dry, papery skin. Avoid onions that have soft spots, mold, or strong odors. Look for onions with an intact neck and without any signs of sprouting.
Celery. Select celery stalks that are crisp and tightly packed. Look for celery with vibrant green color and minimal signs of browning or wilting. The leaves at the top should be fresh-looking, not limp or yellow.
When shopping, consider visiting farmers’ markets or local produce stands, as they often offer fresher and locally sourced ingredients. Further, paying attention to the seasonal availability of these ingredients can also ensure that you’re getting the best-tasting produce.
If you have access to your own garden or know someone who does, homegrown produce can be an excellent choice for freshness and flavor.
Using the freshest ingredients not only enhances the taste of your pickle relish but also contributes to its overall quality and shelf life.
Recipe Tips for Success
Here are some hints and tips to help make sure that you have a successful canning experience.
Use fresh and high-quality regular cucumbers, peppers, onions, and celery for the best flavor and texture. This will greatly impact the overall taste of your relish. If you are wondering about the cucumbers we have more detail on that here. English Cucumbers versus Regular Cucumbers.
When grinding the vegetables, aim for a consistent texture. This helps ensure that each bite of your relish has a balanced mix of flavors.
Taste your relish as you cook it. Adjust the amount of celery seed, mustard seed, and sugar to achieve the flavor profile you prefer. Remember that flavors can intensify during the canning process.
After rinsing the vegetables to remove excess salt, make sure they are well-drained. Excess moisture can dilute the flavor and affect the final texture.
Follow Food Safety When Canning
Follow proper canning procedures to ensure food safety and long shelf life. This includes sterilizing jars and lids, using a water bath canner, and processing the jars for the recommended time.
Leave the recommended ¼ inch of headspace at the top of each jar before sealing. This allows for proper expansion during processing and helps create a reliable seal.
After the jars have cooled, press down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar has sealed properly. If a lid pops back, refrigerate, and use that jar within a few weeks.
Allow your jars to cool naturally after processing. Avoid moving or disturbing them too much during this time, as it can affect the sealing process.
Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. Proper storage conditions help maintain the quality of your pickle relish for an extended period.
Once your pickle relish jars are sealed and cooled, make sure to label them with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of their shelf life.
Homemade pickle relish tends to improve in flavor over time as the ingredients meld together. If you can resist the temptation, let the relish sit for a couple of weeks before opening a jar to enjoy the full depth of flavor.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of making delicious homemade pickle relish. Enjoy the process, have fun experimenting, and savor the rewarding taste of your creations.
What are Some Ways to Eat Sweet Relish?
Pickle relish is a versatile condiment that can add a burst of flavor and crunch to a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use pickle relish.
Hot Dogs and Burgers. This classic use is a no-brainer. Add a spoonful of pickle relish to your hot dogs or burgers for a tangy and crunchy twist.
Sandwiches and Wraps. Elevate your sandwiches and wraps by spreading pickle relish onto bread or tortillas. It works well with deli meats, grilled chicken, or even as a topping for egg salad sandwiches.
Tuna Salad or Chicken Salad. Mix pickle relish into tuna or chicken salad for a zesty kick. The sweet and tangy flavors complement the creaminess of the salad. It is my son-in-law’s favorite way to use this condiment.
Deviled Eggs. Add a little pickle relish to your deviled egg filling for a pop of flavor and color.
Potato Salad. Incorporate pickle relish into your potato salad for an extra layer of taste. It pairs especially well with creamy dressings.
Relish Tray. Create a relish tray with an assortment of sliced cheeses, crackers, olives, and, of course, pickle relish.
There are Just So Many Unique Ideas for Relish
Grilled Cheese. Add a layer of pickle relish between slices of cheese in your grilled cheese sandwich for a unique and delicious twist.
Pulled Pork or Chicken. Top your pulled pork or chicken sandwiches with a spoonful of pickle relish for a contrast of flavors and textures.
Tacos and Quesadillas. Use pickle relish as a topping for tacos, quesadillas, or other Mexican-inspired dishes. It can add a refreshing element to the spiciness.
Salad Dressing. Blend pickle relish with ingredients like mayonnaise, yogurt, or sour cream to create a tangy and flavorful salad dressing.
Casseroles. Stir pickle relish into casseroles for an unexpected burst of flavor. It works particularly well with dishes that have ground meat or vegetables.
Baked Beans. Add a spoonful of pickle relish to your baked beans for a hint of sweetness and tanginess.
Sausage Gravy. Stir pickle relish into sausage gravy and serve it over biscuits for a unique and tasty breakfast.
Marinades and Sauces. Incorporate pickle relish into marinades for chicken or pork, or mix it into barbecue sauce for added complexity.
Party Appetizers. Use pickle relish as a topping for mini sliders, bruschetta, or other bite-sized appetizers.
Relish can be as versatile as your creativity allows.
Other Pickle Recipes We Love
Get Homemade Pickle Taste from Store-bought Dill Pickles
I Can’t Stop Eating These Pickles Recipe
Kool Aid Pickles Sweet Sour Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese; a delicious appetizer.
Canning Recipes We Make Every Year
Canning Old-Fashioned Pickled Beets
Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles – Homemade Pickles using Fresh Dill
Easy Homemade Pickle Relish Recipe for Canning
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 8 Cups Cucumbers washed, ground and unpeeled
- 2 Cups Green Bell Peppers Ground
- 1 Cup Red Bell Peppers Sweet, Ground
- 6 Cups Onion Ground
- 6 Cups Celery finely diced
- ½ Cup Salt
- 7 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 4 Cups White Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Celery Seed
- 2 Tablespoons Mustard Seed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. You can leave the skin on for added texture and color.
- Grind the cucumbers, green pepper, red pepper, and onion using a food processor or a manual grinder. Keep the textures uniform for a balanced relish.
Step 2: Combine and Salt
- In a large bowl, combine the ground vegetables and diced celery.
- Sprinkle the ½ cup of salt evenly over the vegetable mixture.
- Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed. Let the mixture sit for about 2 hours at room temperature. This process will help draw out excess moisture from the vegetables.
Step 3: Rinse and Drain
- After the resting period, rinse the vegetable mixture thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt.
- Allow the mixture to drain in a colander for a few minutes to remove excess liquid.
Step 4: Prepare the Pickling Solution
- In a large pot, I recommend a heavy stainless steel pot, combine the granulated sugar, white vinegar, celery seed, and mustard seed.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Combine and Cook
- Add the drained cucumber mixture to the pot with the pickling solution.
- Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Sterilize Jars and Lids
- Inspect ten pint-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. While the relish is simmering, sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for a few minutes or using a dishwasher sterilization cycle.
Step 7: Fill the Jars
- Carefully ladle the hot pickle relish into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the jar rims clean with a moist paper towel or clean cloth to ensure a proper seal, then place the lids on top. Screw rings on tightly.
Step 8: Process the Jars
- Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars using a jar lifter or hot pad. Place the jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Place lid on and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat and process the filled jars in a water bath canner for about 10-15 minutes to ensure they are properly sealed and preserved. Make sure the jars are fully submerged in water.
Step 9: Cool and Store
- After processing, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them several inches apart on a clean towel or cooling rack for 12 to 24 hours.
- Let the jars cool completely before testing the seals. You should hear a “pop” sound as the lids seal. Check to make sure jars are sealed. Press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Homemade Pickle Relish!
- Once the jars have cooled and sealed, store them in a cool, dark place. Your homemade pickle relish will be ready to enjoy whenever you’re craving that delightful tangy flavor on your favorite dishes.
- There you have it your homemade relish is ready to use or give as a gift.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Recipe Tips for Success
Here are some hints and tips to help make sure that you have a successful canning experience. Use fresh and high-quality regular cucumbers, peppers, onions, and celery for the best flavor and texture. This will greatly impact the overall taste of your relish. When grinding the vegetables, aim for a consistent texture. This helps ensure that each bite of your relish has a balanced mix of flavors. Taste your relish as you cook it. Adjust the amount of celery seed, mustard seed, and sugar to achieve the flavor profile you prefer. Remember that flavors can intensify during the canning process. After rinsing the vegetables to remove excess salt, make sure they are well-drained. Excess moisture can dilute the flavor and affect the final texture. Follow proper canning procedures to ensure food safety and long shelf life. This includes sterilizing jars and lids, using a water bath canner, and processing the jars for the recommended time. Leave the recommended ¼ inch of headspace at the top of each jar before sealing. This allows for proper expansion during processing and helps create a reliable seal.After the jars have cooled, press down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar has sealed properly. If a lid pops back, refrigerate, and use that jar within a few weeks. Allow your jars to cool naturally after processing. Avoid moving or disturbing them too much during this time, as it can affect the sealing process. Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. Proper storage conditions help maintain the quality of your pickle relish for an extended period. Once your pickle relish jars are sealed and cooled, make sure to label them with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of their shelf life. Homemade pickle relish tends to improve in flavor over time as the ingredients meld together. If you can resist the temptation, let the relish sit for a couple of weeks before opening a jar to enjoy the full depth of flavor. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of making delicious homemade pickle relish. Enjoy the process, have fun experimenting, and savor the rewarding taste of your creations.
