There is something wonderfully vibrant and addictive about a good condiment that can transform any dish from bland to memorable, and this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe does just that. The combination of finely chopped red and green bell peppers with yellow onion, balanced by the tang of apple cider vinegar and a touch of sweetness, creates a relish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Whether you’re elevating a simple burger, jazzing up a sandwich, or adding a punch to salads, this relish is a versatile little gem that you’ll want to keep on hand all the time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each item plays a key role, contributing to the relish’s perfect harmony of tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy notes, as well as its appealing crunch and vibrant hues.
- Red bell pepper: Provides sweetness and a lovely pop of red color that brightens the relish.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that balances the sweetness.
- Yellow onion: Brings a sharp bite and tender texture that softens during cooking.
- Apple cider vinegar: The tangy acid that pickles and preserves, giving the relish its signature zing.
- Granulated sugar: Offers just the right amount of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and makes everything pop on your taste buds.
- Mustard seeds: Impart a subtle warmth and slight crunch that add complexity.
- Celery seeds: Bring an earthy, herbaceous note that deepens the relish’s profile.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat, they deliver a gentle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
How to Make Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pickling Mixture
Start by combining the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and optional crushed red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar completely dissolves. This step is crucial for infusing the vinegar with spice and sweetness, creating the perfect pickling liquid.
Step 2: Add the Chopped Vegetables
Once your pickling mixture is bubbling and flavorful, add the finely chopped red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Stir everything to ensure the vegetables are thoroughly coated by the liquid. The freshness of the peppers and onions is what will make your relish burst with crunchy texture and vibrant taste.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. This softens the vegetables just enough while thickening the liquid slightly, turning it into a luscious, syrupy base that clings perfectly to every piece of pepper and onion.
Step 4: Cool and Refrigerate
Remove the relish from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting period is essential as it lets all the flavors marry beautifully, enhancing the sweet, tangy, and spicy balance that makes this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe
Garnishes
This relish shines as a garnish on so many dishes. Try sprinkling it over grilled sausages, hot dogs, or even creamy deviled eggs. The colorful bits of peppers and onions bring excitement to the plate and invite everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Use this relish alongside classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad to add a tangy crunch that complements and enlivens every bite. It’s a fantastic way to brighten up picnic spreads or BBQ plates effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual. Swirl the relish into your next batch of homemade tuna or egg salad for added zest. Or dollop it atop soft cheeses or cream cheese spreads as a flavorful appetizer on crackers. You will be surprised just how many ways this relish can elevate everyday meals into extraordinary experiences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop, making leftovers even more delightful.
Freezing
While fresh is best for texture, you can freeze this relish in airtight containers if needed. Just be aware that the vegetables may lose some crunch after thawing, so it’s ideal for cooking or mixing into dishes rather than as a fresh topping.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave if you want a warm relish, but often it’s perfect served cold or at room temperature. The aroma and flavor remain vibrant no matter how you choose to enjoy it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers in this relish?
Absolutely! While the red and green bell peppers provide a mild sweetness and crunch, you can experiment with other peppers like poblano or banana peppers for different heat levels and flavor profiles. Just keep in mind the texture and cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to simmer the relish?
Yes, simmering helps soften the vegetables just enough and allows the pickling liquid to thicken slightly. This step ensures your relish isn’t watery and that the flavors meld together perfectly.
How spicy is this relish?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and used sparingly, so the heat is very mild. You can adjust the quantity or omit them entirely to suit your taste preferences, making the relish as mild or as spicy as you like.
Can I make this relish without vinegar?
Vinegar is key to the pickling process as it preserves the relish and provides that signature tanginess. Omitting it would result in a completely different dish, so it’s best to keep the vinegar in the recipe for authentic flavor and longevity.
What dishes pair best with Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe?
This relish is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, potato salads, and even as a topping for simple cheese platters. Its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes complement many American and international dishes.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe, it’s hard to go back to store-bought condiments. Its bright colors, fresh crunch, and perfectly balanced flavors bring an exciting twist to so many meals. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch how it transforms ordinary dishes into beloved favorites overnight.
Print
Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish is a vibrant, sweet, and tangy homemade condiment made with finely chopped red and green bell peppers and yellow onion. Simmered in a flavorful mixture of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and spices, it offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Ideal for enhancing hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, or salads, this relish is quick to make and keeps well refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Ingredients
Relish Ingredients
- 1 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid comes to a boil.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion, ensuring they are evenly coated with the hot brine mixture.
- Simmer the relish: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will soften slightly, and the mixture will thicken to a relish-like consistency.
- Cool the relish: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the relish to cool to room temperature. This helps the flavors meld and the texture to set properly.
- Store and chill: Transfer the cooled relish into a clean jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors develop. The relish can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- This relish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- It’s perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, or mixing into egg or tuna salad.
- For a sweeter relish, increase the sugar to 1/2 cup.
- For added heat, adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.
