Tangy Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe for Zesty Meals

Spice up your summer gatherings with a zesty pickled pepper and onion relish that adds vibrant tang to every bite.

This quick-and-easy condiment brings explosive flavor to sandwiches, grilled meats, and salads.

The bright colors dance across your plate, creating instant visual appeal.

Crisp peppers and sharp onions mingle in a tangy brine that awakens your taste buds.

Homemade relishes pack more punch than store-bought versions, letting you control every delicious detail.

You can customize the heat level to match your preference, from mild to fiery.

Prepare to elevate your culinary game with this simple yet spectacular relish that turns ordinary dishes into extraordinary experiences.

Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish: Flavor Highlights

• This relish delivers a tangy, zesty punch that transforms ordinary dishes with its vibrant mix of peppers and onions.
• Easily whip up this condiment with basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills, perfect for home cooks at any level.
• Elevate sandwiches, burgers, salads, and grilled meats with this versatile relish that adds a delightful kick to countless meals.
• Store in the refrigerator for weeks, making it a convenient and long-lasting addition to your culinary repertoire that's always ready to enhance your cooking.

Ingredients for Homemade Pepper Onion Relish

• Bell Peppers: Colorful and crisp vegetables that provide a sweet and tangy base for the relish.
• Onions: Sharp and pungent vegetables that add depth and zesty flavor to the relish.

• White Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar: Acidic liquids that help preserve and enhance the vegetable flavors with a tangy punch.

• Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a subtle sweetness to the relish.
• Mustard Seeds, Celery Seeds: Aromatic seeds that contribute a warm and slightly nutty undertone to the pickle.
• Turmeric Powder: Adds a bright yellow color and earthy flavor to the relish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a spicy kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their relish.

Kitchen Tools for Quick Pickling Relish

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing sliced peppers and onions together.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for heating vinegar mixture and dissolving sugar.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice bell peppers and onions precisely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring vinegar mixture and combining ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Airtight Containers or Glass Jars: Necessary for storing and preserving the relish.

How to Prepare Pepper & Onion Relish at Home

Step 1: Slice Colorful Veggies

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife.

Slice bell peppers into thin, vibrant rings.

Peel and slice onions into delicate half-moons.

Arrange these colorful vegetable slices in a spacious mixing bowl.

• Bell peppers
• Onions

Step 2: Create Zesty Pickling Liquid

• White vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Mustard seeds
• Celery seeds
• Turmeric powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 3: Activate Flavor Transformation

Heat the saucepan over medium flame.

Stir the mixture continuously, watching the sugar dissolve completely.

Let the liquid come to a rolling boil, releasing those incredible aromatic spices.

Step 4: Marry Vegetables and Pickling Liquid

Carefully pour the steaming hot vinegar mixture over the sliced peppers and onions.

Gently stir to ensure every veggie piece gets coated with the tangy, spicy liquid.

Step 5: Prepare for Flavor Infusion

Allow the relish to cool naturally to room temperature.

Transfer the mixture into clean, airtight glass jars or containers.

Step 6: Develop Intense Flavor Profile

Stash the jars in the refrigerator.

Wait patiently for 24 hours to let the flavors mingle and intensify.

The longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes.

Pickling Tips for Tangy, Crunchy Relish

• Cut bell peppers and onions into consistent, thin slices to ensure even pickling and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Adjust sugar quantities to create your perfect sweet-tangy profile, tasting the mixture before pouring over vegetables.
• Modify red pepper flakes amount to match your heat tolerance, starting with a small pinch and gradually increasing.
• Use sterilized glass jars to extend relish preservation and prevent contamination during refrigeration.
• Allow relish to rest for 48-72 hours instead of 24 hours for more intense, well-developed pickle taste.

Relish Remix: Tasty Add-In Ideas

• Spicy Jalapeño Relish: Replace bell peppers with diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat, perfect for those who love spicy condiments.
• Roasted Vegetable Variation: Char bell peppers and onions on a grill before pickling to add a smoky depth of flavor to the relish.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with honey or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version that maintains the tangy pickle profile.
• Herb-Infused Relish: Add fresh chopped herbs like dill or cilantro to the vinegar mixture for an aromatic garden-fresh taste.

Unique Pairings for Pepper Onion Relish

• Zesty Sandwich Booster: Spread this tangy relish on sandwiches for an instant flavor explosion that transforms ordinary lunch into a gourmet experience.
• Grilling Companion: Top grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs with a spoonful of this vibrant relish to add a punch of bright, pickled goodness.
• Charcuterie Star: Serve alongside cheese boards, cured meats, and crackers as a dynamic condiment that brings color and zing to your appetizer spread.
• Salad Flavor Upgrade: Sprinkle over green salads or potato salads to inject a delightful vinegary kick and fresh vegetable crunch.

Storing Pickled Pepper Onion Relish Safely

• Seal the relish in clean, airtight glass jars and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Transfer cooled relish to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Gently warm the relish in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain the fresh texture and vibrant flavors of peppers and onions.
• Remove relish from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and allow ingredients to reach optimal taste and texture.

FAQs

• What are the best bell peppers to use for this relish?

Red, yellow, and green bell peppers work great. Choose fresh, crisp peppers with vibrant colors for the best flavor and texture.

• Can I adjust the heat level in the relish?

Yes, add or reduce red pepper flakes to control spiciness. For a milder version, use less or omit them completely. For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

• How long will this pickled relish stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the relish will maintain its quality for about 2-3 weeks. Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent contamination.

Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Zesty pickled pepper and onion relish brings tangy Mexican flavors to your table. Crisp vegetables marinate in a simple vinegar brine, creating a bold condiment perfect for grilled meats and sandwiches you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 4 cups mixed bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

Vinegars:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Slice bell peppers and onions into thin, uniform strips, placing them together in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Create a pickling liquid by combining white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan.
3. Heat the liquid mixture over medium temperature, continuously stirring until sugar completely dissolves and the solution reaches a rolling boil.
4. Immediately pour the steaming vinegar mixture over the prepared vegetable strips, ensuring thorough and even coating through gentle but comprehensive stirring.
5. Allow the relish to gradually cool to ambient room temperature, which typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
6. Carefully transfer the cooled relish into clean, sterilized airtight glass containers or preservation jars.
7. Refrigerate the relish for a minimum of 24 hours, permitting the complex flavor profiles to harmonize and intensify before serving.

Notes

• Choose crisp, fresh bell peppers in various colors for a vibrant, eye-catching relish that adds visual appeal to your dish.
• Adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of red pepper flakes, making it suitable for different spice tolerances.
• Ensure clean, sterilized jars for longer preservation and to prevent bacterial growth during storage.
• Experiment with additional spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile and make the relish uniquely yours.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 88
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 221 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg