Green Tomato Pickle Relish is a flavorful and tangy condiment made from fresh green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, vinegar, sugar, and aromatic spices. It is a traditional preserve that offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and mildly spicy flavors. This relish is an excellent way to use unripe tomatoes at the end of the growing season while extending their shelf life through canning. Properly canned Green Tomato Pickle Relish can be stored for up to one year and is commonly served with burgers, hot dogs, grilled meats, sandwiches, sausages, roasted vegetables, and salads. Its bright flavor enhances many meals and makes it a valuable addition to any pantry.
Ingredients
- 2 kg green tomatoes, finely chopped
- 500 g onions, finely chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, finely chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
- 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pickling salt
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Equipment Required
- Water bath canner
- Large stainless-steel pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mason jars with new lids and screw bands
- Jar lifter
- Canning funnel
- Bubble remover or plastic spatula
- Clean kitchen towels
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the green tomatoes thoroughly under running water and remove any damaged portions. Finely chop the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces. Peel and finely chop the onions. Wash the bell peppers, remove the seeds and stems, and chop them into small pieces. Uniformly chopped vegetables ensure even cooking and improve the texture of the finished relish.
Step 2: Salt the Vegetables
Place the chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers into a large bowl. Sprinkle the pickling salt evenly over the vegetables and mix well. Cover the bowl and let it stand for about 4 to 6 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. This process removes excess moisture and helps maintain a firm texture.
Step 3: Drain and Rinse
After resting, transfer the vegetables to a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Allow them to drain well for several minutes. Gently press the vegetables to remove as much liquid as possible.
Step 4: Prepare the Pickling Mixture
In a large stainless-steel pot, combine the white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and minced garlic. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Cook the Relish
Add the drained vegetables to the boiling pickling mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for approximately 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. During cooking, the vegetables will soften while still retaining a slight crunch, and the liquid will thicken into a flavorful relish.
Step 6: Prepare the Jars
While the relish is cooking, wash the Mason jars, lids, and screw bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and keep the jars hot until ready to fill. Prepare the lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 7: Fill the Jars
Using a canning funnel, carefully ladle the hot relish into the prepared jars. Leave ½ inch (1.25 cm) headspace at the top of each jar. Ensure that both vegetables and liquid are evenly distributed among the jars.
Step 8: Remove Air Bubbles
Insert a plastic spatula or bubble remover along the inside of each jar to release trapped air bubbles. If necessary, add more hot relish to maintain the correct headspace.
Step 9: Seal the Jars
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Place the lids on the jars and screw the bands until fingertip-tight.
Step 10: Process the Jars
Place the filled jars into a boiling water bath canner, ensuring they are completely covered with at least 1 inch of water.
Process according to the following times:
- Pint jars: 15 minutes
- Quart jars: 20 minutes
(Add additional processing time if required for high-altitude locations.)
Step 11: Cool the Jars
After processing, carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter. Place them on a towel or cooling rack and allow them to cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours.
Avoid tightening the bands or moving the jars while they cool.
Step 12: Check the Seals
After cooling, press the center of each lid. Properly sealed lids should not flex up and down. Remove the screw bands, wipe the jars clean, label them with the preparation date, and store them in a cool, dark, dry place.
Any jar that does not seal properly should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.
Storage
Properly sealed Green Tomato Pickle Relish can be stored for up to 12 months in a cool, dry location. Refrigerate after opening and use within 3–4 weeks for the best quality.
Serving Suggestions
Green Tomato Pickle Relish is a versatile condiment that pairs well with many dishes, including:
- Hamburgers
- Hot dogs
- Sandwiches
- Grilled chicken
- Beef steaks
- Barbecue dishes
- Sausages
- Roasted vegetables
- Potato salad
- Tuna salad
- Cheese platters
- Crackers
- Rice bowls
- Wraps
- Tacos
Nutritional Benefits
Green tomatoes contain dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, potassium, and beneficial antioxidants. Bell peppers contribute additional vitamins A and C, while onions provide antioxidants and natural plant compounds. Vinegar helps preserve the relish without the need for artificial preservatives. Because this recipe uses fresh vegetables and simple ingredients, it provides a flavorful and nutritious condiment when enjoyed in moderation.
Tips for Best Results
- Use firm, fresh green tomatoes for the best texture.
- Always use vinegar with 5% acidity to ensure safe preservation.
- Do not reduce the amount of vinegar, as it is essential for food safety.
- Chop the vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Use only clean, sterilized jars and new lids.
- Follow the recommended processing times exactly.
- Store jars away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
- Discard any jar that develops mold, an unpleasant odor, leaking, or a bulging lid.
Conclusion
Green Tomato Pickle Relish is a delicious and practical way to preserve fresh green tomatoes while creating a versatile condiment for everyday meals. The combination of green tomatoes, onions, peppers, vinegar, sugar, and aromatic spices produces a relish with a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and savory flavor. When prepared using proper canning techniques and safe food preservation practices, this relish remains fresh, flavorful, and shelf-stable for many months. Whether served with grilled meats, sandwiches, burgers, salads, or cheese platters, homemade Green Tomato Pickle Relish adds a refreshing burst of flavor and is an excellent addition to any kitchen pantry.
Leave a Reply