Easy Homemade Pickle Relish Recipe for Canning

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.

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

cooling12

Course: Appetizer, pickle

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Canning, food preservation, garden produce recipe, preserving food

Servings: pints

Calories: 428kcal

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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.
8 Cups Cucumbers
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.
2 Cups Green Bell Peppers, 1 Cup Red Bell Peppers, 6 Cups Onion

Step 2: Combine and Salt

In a large bowl, combine the ground vegetables and diced celery.
6 Cups Celery
Sprinkle the ½ cup of salt evenly over the vegetable mixture.
½ Cup Salt
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.
7 Cups Granulated Sugar, 4 Cups White Vinegar, 2 Tablespoons Celery Seed, 2 Tablespoons 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.

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Notes

Nutritional Values are Per Pint

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.

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