Tangy Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish Recipe For Bold Flavor

Crafting a zesty pickled pepper and onion relish can elevate your culinary game with unexpected bursts of tangy flavor.

Sharp vinegar notes dance alongside crisp vegetable textures, creating a condiment that packs serious punch.

Home cooks adore this simple preservation technique that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Small jars of this vibrant relish make perfect gifts for food enthusiasts who appreciate homemade delights.

Pickling transforms humble peppers and onions into a versatile companion for sandwiches, grilled meats, and charcuterie boards.

Each spoonful brings a delightful combination of heat and acidity that awakens tired taste buds.

You’ll want to keep a batch in your refrigerator for spontaneous flavor boosts that make every meal more exciting.

Why Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish Is a Flavor Boost

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Transform ordinary dishes with this zesty, tangy relish that adds a punch of excitement to sandwiches, burgers, and grilled meats.
• Master Preservation Technique: Learn a simple canning method that lets you enjoy garden-fresh vegetables year-round, preserving peak seasonal flavors with minimal kitchen skills.
• Customize Your Kick: Adjust the spice level by varying jalapeño quantities, making this recipe perfect for heat lovers and mild-preference folks alike, ensuring everyone finds their perfect taste.
• Versatile Condiment Champion: Use as a vibrant side, sandwich spread, or topping that brings color, texture, and bold flavor to countless meals, from barbecues to weeknight dinners.

Must-Have Ingredients for Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish

• Onions: Provide a sharp and pungent base flavor for the relish.
• Bell Peppers: Add sweet and colorful crunch to the relish.
• Jalapenos: Contribute a spicy kick and heat to the mixture.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Creates the tangy and acidic preservation liquid.
• Pickling Spice: Adds complex and aromatic seasoning to the relish.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and provides a subtle sweetness.

• Salt: Enhances flavor and helps with preservation of the relish.

How to Make Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish Easily

Step 1: Prep Colorful Veggies

Wash and chop onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos into small, uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful mix of colors and textures in your relish.

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Jalapenos

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Combine chopped vegetables in a large saucepan with pickling spice, sugar, salt, and apple cider vinegar. The combination will create a tangy and slightly sweet relish that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Simmer and Develop Taste

Heat the mixture over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This process helps meld the flavors and soften the vegetables.

Step 4: Prepare Canning Jars

Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water or running through a hot dishwasher cycle.

This step prevents bacteria and ensures your relish stays fresh.

Step 5: Fill Jars Carefully

Carefully spoon the hot vegetable mixture into the sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch space at the top.

Pour the remaining hot vinegar mixture over the vegetables to cover completely.

Step 6: Process in Water Bath

Lower the filled jars into a large pot of boiling water, ensuring they are covered by at least 2 inches of water.

Boil for 30 minutes to create a proper seal and preserve the relish.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Remove jars from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature.

Check that the lids have sealed properly. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.

Refrigerate any unsealed jars and consume within a few weeks.

Tips to Nail Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish Every Time

• Select crisp, vibrant bell peppers and jalapenos for maximum flavor and crunch in your relish.
• Remove jalapeno seeds to reduce heat or add more for extra kick, tailoring the relish to your spice preference.
• Ensure jars and lids are thoroughly sterilized to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life.
• Use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweet, tangy flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly.
• Keep sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry and refrigerate after opening to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Fun Variations on Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish

• Roasted Pepper Variation: Replace raw bell peppers with fire-roasted red and yellow peppers for a smoky flavor profile.
• Spicy Habanero Remix: Swap jalapenos with habanero peppers to increase heat intensity and create a more fiery relish.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version with lower calories.
• Herb-Infused Blend: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during cooking to introduce aromatic herbal notes to the traditional relish recipe.

Best Pairings to Enjoy with Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish

• Match this zesty relish with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or smoked brisket for a flavor explosion that cuts through rich meats with bright, tangy notes.
• Spread generously on charcuterie boards, loaded sandwiches, hot dogs, or burgers to add a punchy, vibrant kick that transforms ordinary meals into gourmet experiences.
• Pair with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or hoppy craft IPAs that can stand up to the relish's bold, acidic profile and complement its complex spice blend.

How to Keep Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish Fresh

• Transfer unsealed or opened jars to an airtight container, keeping them chilled at 40°F or below. Consume within 2-3 weeks for optimal flavor and texture.
• Pour cooled relish into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months, thawing in refrigerator before serving.
• Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months. Check seals periodically to ensure freshness and safety.
• Gently warm small portions in microwave or stovetop at low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and maintain original texture.

FAQs

• Why use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar adds a deeper, slightly fruity flavor and more complex tang compared to standard white vinegar, enhancing the overall taste of the pickled relish.

• How spicy will this relish be?

The spice level depends on the number of jalapenos used. For milder relish, remove the seeds and membranes; for more heat, keep them intact or add extra jalapenos.

• Can I adjust the sugar amount?

Yes, you can reduce or increase sugar to suit your taste preferences. Less sugar creates a more tangy relish, while more sugar provides a sweeter profile.

Pickled Pepper & Onion Relish Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Spicy pickled pepper & onion relish delivers a zesty punch of flavor that dances across your palate. Crisp, tangy ingredients blend perfectly, promising a condiment that elevates sandwiches, grills, and charcuterie boards with bold Mexican-inspired flair.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 large green bell peppers, cut into thin strips
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced

Seasoning and Spices:

• 6 tablespoons pickling spice
• 1 teaspoon salt

Sugar and Vinegar:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 cups apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Combine onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, pickling spice, sugar, salt, and apple cider vinegar in a large saucepan, creating a vibrant mixture for pickling.
2. Elevate heat to high, bringing the concoction to a rolling boil, then dial down to medium-low, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld flavors for 5 minutes, stirring intermittently.
3. Carefully transfer the steaming mixture into sterilized canning jars, ensuring a precise 1/4-inch headspace for proper preservation.
4. Completely submerge the vegetable mixture with remaining hot vinegar liquid, guaranteeing full coverage and flavor infusion.
5. Seal jars with sterilized lids, then immerse in a boiling water bath, ensuring jars are completely covered by 2 inches of water.
6. Maintain a vigorous boil for 30 minutes, processing the jars to create a secure, shelf-stable condiment.
7. Gently extract jars from the water bath, allowing them to cool naturally to room temperature.
8. Inspect jar seals; any unsealed jars should be immediately refrigerated and consumed first.
9. Store opened relish in the refrigerator, enjoying the tangy, spicy condiment within a reasonable timeframe.

Notes

• Choose fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor in your relish.
• Use gloves when handling jalapenos to prevent skin irritation from capsaicin.
• Adjust sugar levels to control sweetness and balance the vinegar’s tanginess.
• Test jar seals by pressing the lid center – it should not flex or pop when pressed down.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg