Sweet & Tangy Old-Fashioned Pepper & Onion Relish Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
