Description

This homemade pickle relish recipe delivers a tangy, slightly sweet, and crunchy condiment perfect for enhancing hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Featuring a vibrant mix of cucumbers, red onion, and yellow bell pepper, this relish is infused with classic pickling spices and balanced with apple cider vinegar and simple syrup. Prepared with a quick simmering technique, it offers a fresh, flavorful alternative to store-bought relishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pickled Vegetables

2 cucumbers, seeded and finely diced
¾ cup finely diced red onion
1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
2 tablespoons sea salt
2 tablespoons pickling spice

Pickling Mixture

½ cup apple cider vinegar (divided)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
½ teaspoon celery salt

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Instructions

Combine Vegetables: Mix together the diced cucumbers, diced red onion, and finely diced yellow bell pepper in a medium-sized bowl until evenly combined.
Season and Pickle: Sprinkle the sea salt and pickling spice over the vegetable mixture. Stir well to evenly coat all the vegetables.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the vegetables to release moisture and absorb the flavors.
Drain and Rinse: When ready to finish the relish, drain the vegetable mixture in a fine mesh sieve. Rinse 2-3 times with cool water or until the water runs clear to remove excess salt and spices.
Press Out Excess Water: Use the back of a large serving spoon to press out as much water as possible from the vegetables to prevent sogginess.
Prepare Thickening Mixture: In a medium saucepan, whisk together ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar and the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
Add Remaining Liquids and Heat: Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar and the simple syrup to the saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble, stirring frequently.
Add Vegetables and Season: Stir the drained vegetable mixture and celery salt into the bubbling liquid. Mix thoroughly.
Simmer to Thicken: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the relish thickens and the vinegar aroma mellows.
Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and allow the relish to cool completely before serving. Store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Notes

For best texture, ensure to press out excess moisture thoroughly after rinsing.
Simple syrup can be made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat.
Pickling spice can be adjusted or omitted depending on personal taste preferences.
Keep the relish refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
This relish pairs wonderfully with hot dogs, burgers, potato salads, and as a sandwich topping.