Sweet & Tangy Old-Fashioned Pepper & Onion Relish Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet & Tangy Old-Fashioned Pepper & Onion Relish is a vibrant, flavorful condiment that brightens up any meal. With a perfect balance of vinegar, sugar, and spices, it’s great on sandwiches, burgers, or as a zesty side.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed bell peppers (thinly sliced; a mix of red, yellow, and orange is recommended)
• 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Hot peppers (e.g., jalapeños, habaneros) (optional, for a spicy version)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to a large, non-reactive bowl such as glass or stainless steel. If you want heat, include sliced hot peppers and/or red pepper flakes at this stage.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a rolling boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and the liquid becomes clear.
4. Step 4: Carefully pour the hot vinegar brine over the peppers and onions in the bowl. Stir well to coat all the vegetables evenly with the brine.
5. Step 5: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature on the counter. Once cooled, transfer it into airtight jars and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use fresh, firm bell peppers and slice them thinly but evenly.
• Add sliced hot peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the relish a spicy kick.
• Use glass jars for storage to avoid any reaction with the vinegar.
• If you prefer a sweeter relish, increase the sugar by 1/4 cup.
• This relish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a tangy topping for burgers and hot dogs.

Storage

Store the relish in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks. Before using, give it a good stir. Serve chilled or at room temperature. The flavor improves after a day or two as the ingredients meld.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this relish without onions?

Yes, you can omit the onions if you prefer, though they add sweetness and texture. Substitute with extra peppers or mild chili slices if desired.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the relish?

Yes, refrigeration keeps the relish fresh, safe to eat, and helps the flavors develop over time. Room temperature storage is not recommended once the brine has cooled and the jars are sealed.

Sweet & Tangy Old-Fashioned Pepper & Onion Relish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

This Sweet & Tangy Old-Fashioned Pepper & Onion Relish is a vibrant, flavorful condiment featuring a mix of colorful bell peppers and onions steeped in a spiced sweet and tangy vinegar brine. Perfect as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, grilled meats, or crackers, this relish brings a nostalgic, zesty kick to any meal with its balance of sweetness, acidity, and warm spices.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 24 hours 25 minutes (including refrigeration time)
• Yield: 32 servings 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 4 cups mixed bell peppers, thinly sliced (a mix of red, yellow, and orange is recommended)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• Hot peppers (e.g., jalapeños, habaneros), optional for a spicy version

Brine

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat

Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables: In a large, non-reactive bowl (glass or stainless steel), combine the thinly sliced mixed bell peppers and onions. If using hot peppers, slice and add them as well. Set the bowl aside to prepare the brine.
2. Create the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir the mixture to blend all the dry ingredients with the liquids.
3. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the brine to a rolling boil. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar completely and ensure the liquid becomes clear, indicating it’s fully combined and heated through.
4. Combine and Steep: Carefully pour the hot vinegar mixture over the bowl of sliced peppers and onions. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat all the vegetables with the hot brine, allowing the flavors to start melding immediately.
5. Cool and Meld Flavors: Let the mixture cool down to room temperature on the counter. Once cooled, transfer the relish into airtight jars or containers. For optimal flavor development, refrigerate the relish for at least 24 hours before serving.

Notes

• The relish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Adding hot peppers or red pepper flakes will give the relish a spicy kick; adjust according to your heat preference.
• Use glass jars or stainless steel bowls to avoid any reaction with the vinegar brine.
• This relish is excellent as a topping for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a flavorful addition to cheese boards.

Keywords: pepper relish, onion relish, sweet and tangy relish, old-fashioned relish, vinegar relish, condiment, sandwich topping, pickled peppers