If you’re craving a vibrant, tangy burst to elevate your meals, this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe is a must-try. It’s a delightful mix of finely chopped red and green bell peppers with yellow onions, all simmered in a sweet and tangy vinegar brine with aromatic mustard and celery seeds. This homemade condiment adds a perfect zip to burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or even a simple scoop alongside your favorite dishes, brightening each bite with its lively flavor and colorful crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This relish relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that balance sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors while offering a pleasing texture and bright colors to your dish.
- Red bell pepper: Provides vibrant color and natural sweetness that complements the tanginess.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter crunch to contrast the sweet elements.
- Yellow onion: Brings a mild sharpness and softness when cooked down.
- White vinegar: The key tangy base that pickles the veggies and preserves the relish.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar and adds sweetness.
- Mustard seeds: Introduce subtle spice and a nutty aroma to the mix.
- Celery seeds: Provide an earthy depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt: Elevates all the other flavors and helps with preservation.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a gentle heat for those who like a little kick.
How to Make Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pickling Liquid
Begin by combining white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, salt, and optional red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves. This aromatic pickling liquid is the foundation that brings all the flavors together with a perfect balance of sweet and tang.
Step 2: Add the Chopped Vegetables
Once your pickling liquid is ready, stir in the finely chopped red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onions. Let everything simmer uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every so often. During this time, the vegetables soften slightly and soak up the tangy, spiced liquid while the sauce thickens just a bit, intensifying the flavor.
Step 3: Cool and Store
After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the relish to cool to room temperature. This resting period lets the flavors settle together. Once cooled, transfer the relish into a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving—this chilling step is essential for the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe
Garnishes
This relish makes an amazing garnish on burgers and hot dogs, instantly infusing them with brightness and a lightly sweet tang. Sprinkle a spoonful over grilled sausages or alongside creamy potato salad for added texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Use this relish as a flavor-packed side scoop alongside sandwiches or as an unexpected topping on baked potatoes. Its crisp pickled bite complements rich and savory dishes perfectly without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, mix the relish into creamy mayo or yogurt to create a zesty spread or dip. You can also use it as a topping for tacos or grilled fish—its colorful presence will turn everyday meals into something special and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover relish in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 weeks without losing its crispness or vibrant flavor, making it a convenient condiment to have ready for your meals.
Freezing
This relish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated; freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and water content of the vegetables, leaving them mushy once thawed.
Reheating
Since this relish is typically served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it warm, gently heat it on the stovetop just until warmed through, but avoid cooking it again to preserve its fresh texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers in this relish?
Absolutely! You can experiment with sweet or mild hot peppers like banana peppers or even jalapeños for a spicier kick. Just be mindful of how the flavors balance.
How long does the relish take to develop its best flavor?
While it’s tasty after an hour in the fridge, letting it sit overnight or even longer helps all the flavors meld together more deeply for a richer taste experience.
Is this relish suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, the Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe is entirely plant-based, making it a perfect vegan-friendly condiment.
Can I reduce the sugar or use a substitute?
You can reduce the sugar slightly or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if you prefer, but keep in mind this will subtly change the taste and preservation qualities.
What dishes pair best with this relish?
It pairs wonderfully with burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled meats, potato dishes, and even as a tangy topping for rice bowls or salads, adding a burst of flavor and color.
Final Thoughts
This Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe is a little jar of sunshine that livens up the simplest meals with its perfect marriage of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on hand for quick flavor boosts anytime. Trust me, it’s a game-changer that transforms your everyday dishes into delightful culinary moments worth savoring.
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Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 1½ cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vibrant and tangy Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish that combines sweet bell peppers and onions simmered in a spiced vinegar and sugar mixture. Perfect as a flavorful condiment to elevate burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or even mixed into salads.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
Pickling Liquid & Spices
- ¾ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pickling Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, granulated sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Add the finely chopped red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion to the simmering pickling liquid. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking as the vegetables become tender and the liquid reduces slightly.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the relish cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the relish into a clean jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- This relish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- It makes a perfect topping for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or as an addition to potato salad.
- For a sweeter relish, increase the sugar quantity to ¾ cup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
