Hey there, friend! I’m thrilled to share this bright and zesty recipe that’s become one of my absolute favorites—Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish. This vibrant dish is bursting with color, flavor, and a little kick of tanginess that elevates any meal. Trust me, you’re going to love how it livens up your everyday dishes.

Why You’ll Love Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting, tangy goodness for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Versatile: Perfect as a topping for burgers, a side for grilled meats, or even as a unique addition to your salads.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Quick and Easy: A breeze to prepare, letting you whip up a burst of flavor in no time.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the spice level or add your favorite herbs for a personalized twist.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This relish strikes the perfect balance of tangy zest and crunch, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish

Here’s the magic of this relish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Red Bell Peppers

Bright, crisp, and full of flavor, red bell peppers add a vibrant color and natural sweetness to the mix.

Green Bell Peppers

For a touch of earthiness and crunch, green bell peppers bring a perfect balance to the sweet and tangy elements.

Red Onions

Thinly sliced red onions infuse the relish with a mild, zesty bite that complements the peppers beautifully.

White Vinegar

The essential pickling liquid that ties everything together with its sharp and tangy kick.

Sugar

A hint of sweetness to counterbalance the acidity, creating that irresistible sweet and sour taste.

Salt

A pinch of salt enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and helps in the pickling process.

Optional Spices

Think about a dash of black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes if you’re looking for an extra layer of heat.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions for Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preparing your clean glass jar or container—this ensures a sanitary environment and proper pickling. No heat is required, but a quick rinse with boiling water can be beneficial.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the sliced red and green bell peppers, red onions, and your optional spices. Trust me, letting these flavors mingle is where the magic begins.

Prepare Your Pickling Liquid

In another container, whisk together white vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. This zesty liquid is the heart of the relish.

Assemble the Relish

Pour the pickling liquid over your mixed vegetables. Make sure everything is fully submerged to ensure even pickling. At this stage, you can give it a gentle stir to distribute the flavors evenly.

Let It Marinate

Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least a few hours—ideally overnight—to let the flavors meld beautifully. The wait is absolutely worth it!

Final Touches

Once marinated, give your relish a taste. Adjust with a little more salt or vinegar if needed. This step ensures the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out a generous serving and enjoy it as a lively topping on your favorite dishes or as a zesty side. This recipe is sure to brighten up any meal!

Nutrition Facts

(Note: Please refer to the recipe card for detailed nutritional information)

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 35
  (All nutritional facts are provided in the recipe card.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes marination time)

How to Serve Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Drizzle it over grilled meats or fish for a burst of tangy flavor.
• Use it as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or tacos to add a refreshing crunch.
• Mix it into salads or rice bowls to elevate your everyday meals with a tangy twist.
• Enjoy it as a standalone side dish with your favorite comfort food.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• For a more intense flavor, let the relish marinate for 24 hours.
• Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or red wine vinegar, for a unique taste.
• If you like it spicier, add a few slices of jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Always use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
• Ensure the vegetables are evenly sliced for consistent pickling.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use other types of peppers in this recipe?
   Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different colored or even spicy peppers to suit your taste.
2. How long does the relish last in the refrigerator?
   It typically stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when properly stored.
3. Can I make this relish without sugar?
   Yes, you can reduce or substitute the sugar if you prefer a less sweet version.
4. Do I need to cook the vegetables before pickling?
   No, fresh vegetables work perfectly for this quick pickling process.
5. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
   Definitely, this relish is completely plant-based.
6. Can I freeze the relish for longer storage?
   Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the vegetables.
7. Can I use this relish as a marinade?
   While it’s delicious as a topping, it’s not ideal as a marinade.
8. What can I serve this relish with?
   It’s perfect with grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, or even as a salad topper.
9. Do I need to sterilize the jar before use?
   It’s always a good practice to sterilize your jar to ensure the best preservation.
10. Can I add garlic to the relish?
    Absolutely, garlic can add a wonderful depth of flavor if you love a little extra zest.

CONCLUSION

This Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish is not just a recipe—it’s a celebration of flavor and simplicity. Every bite delivers a burst of tangy goodness that can transform any dish into a memorable feast. So go ahead, try it out, and let your taste buds be the judge. Enjoy and happy cooking!

Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish

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A tangy, sweet, and spicy condiment perfect for hotdogs, burgers, and brats. This relish combines crisp bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños simmered in a vinegar-sugar syrup with pickling spices for a vibrant burst of flavor.

• Author: Grace Sullivan
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
• Yield: 6 pint jars (128 servings total)
• Category: 6 pint jars (128 servings total)
• Method: Canning/Preserving
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

– 3 large onions, thinly sliced

– 8 large green bell peppers, cut into thin strips

– 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced

– 6 tablespoons pickling spice

– 2 cups white sugar

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 2 cups apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, pickling spice, sugar, salt, and apple cider vinegar.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Pack the hot mixture into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

4. Fill jars with the remaining hot vinegar mixture and secure with sterilized lids.

5. Process in a boiling water bath with jars covered by 2 inches of water. Boil for 30 minutes.

6. Remove jars and allow them to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate any jars that did not seal.

7. Refrigerate after opening.

Notes

– Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños.

– Ensure jars are properly sterilized before use.

– This recipe yields 6 pint jars; if canning, process as recommended.

– Refrigerate any jars that fail to seal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ounce
• Calories: 17 kcal per serving
• Sugar: 4 g per serving
• Sodium: 19 mg per serving
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0mg