Sweet Pickle Relish
After much experimentation with ingredients and ratios, this is my favorite sweet pickle relish. I usually can it when the burpless cukes from the garden get away from me.
After much experimentation with ingredients and ratios, this is my favorite sweet pickle relish. I usually can it when the burpless cukes from the garden get away from me.
- Carbohydrate 22.3123400230341 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.57312000257063 g
- Fiber 4.92286669962393 g
- Protein 3.85312667113294 g
- Saturated Fat 0.211284666954541 g
- Serving Size 1 1 pints, 96 serving(s) (582g)
- Sodium 69966.908823293 mg
- Sugar 17.3894733234102 g
- Trans Fat 0.31015200032151 g
- Calories 117 calories
Step-by-step
- To deseed cucumbers, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with your finger.
- Chop the unpeeled cucumbers and other vegetables.
- Put all the vegetables in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the salt over the chopped vegetables.
- Cover with cold water and let stand for 2 hours.
- Drain vegetables well, then press out as much liquid as possible.
- In a large pot, combine sugar, vinegar and seeds.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add vegetables.
- Bring back to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, put into pint jars according to standard canning procedures. (Note: Although some of the brine needs to go in the jars, use a slotted spoon to keep it from being too soupy.)
- Process in a hot water bath according to your altitude (10 minutes for up to 1000 ft.).
My Favorite Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe
As a busy homemaker, finding time to preserve the bounty of my garden is always a challenge. This year, my cucumber plants exploded, producing more burpless cukes than I could possibly eat fresh. Knowing I needed a way to utilize this abundance, I turned to one of my favorite summer recipes: sweet pickle relish. Over the years, I've experimented with countless variations, tweaking ingredients and ratios to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor. This recipe is the result of those many trials, a tried-and-true method that always yields delicious results.
The beauty of this relish lies in its simplicity. It's a recipe that even a novice can master, requiring minimal equipment and readily available ingredients. The most time-consuming part is preparing the vegetables – chopping the cucumbers, onions, and peppers. But even this task becomes manageable with the right tools. I highly recommend using a food processor or a good quality chopper to speed up the process. Once the vegetables are prepped, the rest is a breeze. The combination of cider vinegar, sugar, and a blend of celery and mustard seeds creates a symphony of flavors that complements the crispness of the cucumbers and the sweetness of the peppers. The result is a relish that's both vibrant and delicious, perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, or simply enjoying alongside a plate of grilled meats.
This sweet pickle relish is more than just a condiment; it’s a testament to the joy of preserving summer's harvest. The process of canning the relish is a deeply satisfying one, transforming fresh ingredients into a delectable treat that can be enjoyed throughout the year. It’s a reminder of lazy summer days spent tending to my garden, and the simple pleasure of transforming abundance into something delicious and lasting. The act of canning itself becomes a form of mindful engagement, each step a meditative ritual that connects me to the rhythm of the seasons and the simple beauty of homemade food. The jars lining my pantry shelf are not merely containers; they are small vessels filled with memories, with the essence of summer captured within their glass walls, waiting to be opened and savored.
Beyond the personal satisfaction of creating something delicious and preserving the fruits of my labor, this recipe also represents a connection to generations past. Canning and preserving food has a rich history, passed down through families for centuries. It's a tradition I cherish, a link to the women who came before me, who understood the importance of preserving not only food but also the values of resourcefulness and self-sufficiency. It's a skill I hope to pass on to my own children, teaching them the value of appreciating homegrown ingredients and the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.
So, if you're looking for a simple yet rewarding project to connect you with the bounty of summer, I highly recommend giving this sweet pickle relish recipe a try. It’s a delightful journey from garden to jar, a celebration of fresh ingredients, and a timeless tradition that will bring joy to your kitchen and your table for months to come. The vibrant color and delightful flavor will transport you back to sun-drenched days spent amidst the flourishing plants, a delicious reminder of the simple pleasures life has to offer.
