Chunky Garden Tomato Relish
This Chunky Garden Tomato Relish captures the vibrant flavors of summer with every bite. Perfect for enhancing sandwiches, grilled meats, or even as a flavorful dip, this recipe originated from my sister-in-law and has become a cherished family tradition. Made with ripe, juicy tomatoes from the garden, along with crisp onions and crunchy celery, this relish combines sweet and tangy notes, highlighted by the warmth of cayenne pepper. Each batch yields multiple jars, allowing you to enjoy the tastes of your garden throughout the year.
9
Servings
256
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
12 cups (chopped)
Onions
2 cups (chopped)
Celery
3 cups (chopped)
Pickling salt
1/4 cup
Vinegar
1 cup
Mustard seeds
1 tablespoon
Sugar
2 1/4 cups
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Green peppers
2 (sliced)
Tomato paste
1 (5 1/2 ounce) can
Instructions
1
Sprinkle pickling salt over the chopped tomatoes, onions, and celery in a large bowl. Mix well and allow the mixture to sit overnight to draw out moisture.
2
The next morning, drain the vegetables thoroughly to remove excess liquid and transfer them into a large pot.
3
Add the vinegar, mustard seeds, sugar, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
After 45 minutes, add the sliced green peppers and tomato paste to the pot. Stir thoroughly and continue to boil for an additional 20 minutes.
6
Carefully ladle the hot relish into pre-sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal with lids.
7
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to ensure proper sealing, then remove and let cool completely.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
62g
Carbs
1g
Protein
3g
Fiber
48g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chunky Garden Tomato Relish?
It is a vibrant condiment made from ripe garden tomatoes, crisp onions, and crunchy celery, balanced with sweet and tangy notes and a hint of cayenne pepper.
What are the primary ingredients in this relish?
The main ingredients are tomatoes, onions, celery, pickling salt, vinegar, mustard seeds, sugar, cayenne pepper, green peppers, and tomato paste.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was passed down from the creator's sister-in-law and has since become a cherished family tradition.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The recipe requires 12 cups of tomatoes that have been chopped.
Why is pickling salt used in the first step?
Pickling salt is sprinkled over the chopped vegetables to help draw out excess moisture overnight.
How long must the vegetable and salt mixture sit?
The mixture should sit overnight to ensure enough moisture is extracted from the tomatoes, onions, and celery.
Do you need to drain the vegetables before cooking?
Yes, the next morning you must drain the vegetables thoroughly to remove the excess liquid before transferring them to a pot.
What provides the spicy heat in this relish?
The warmth in the relish comes from 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What type of seeds are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of mustard seeds for added flavor and texture.
How much sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 cups of sugar to achieve its sweet and tangy balance.
How long does the initial simmering process take?
After the mixture reaches a boil, it should simmer for 45 minutes while being stirred occasionally.
When do you add the green peppers?
The sliced green peppers are added to the pot after the initial 45-minute simmering period.
What is the purpose of adding tomato paste?
Tomato paste is added along with the green peppers to help thicken the relish and deepen the tomato flavor.
How long do you boil the relish after adding the green peppers?
You should continue to boil the mixture for an additional 20 minutes after adding the green peppers and tomato paste.
What is the recommended headspace for the jars?
You should leave about 1/2 inch of headspace when ladling the hot relish into the sterilized jars.
How long should the jars be processed in a water bath?
The jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
What are some serving suggestions for this relish?
It is excellent for enhancing sandwiches, grilled meats, or can be used as a flavorful dip.
How many servings does one batch yield?
The recipe is designed to yield approximately 9 servings or jars.
How many calories are in a serving of this relish?
Each serving contains 256 calories.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 62 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any fat in this tomato relish?
No, this recipe contains 0 grams of fat.
How much sugar is found in one serving?
There are 48 grams of sugar per serving.
Does this relish provide any dietary fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 3 grams of dietary fiber.
How much protein is in the relish?
The relish contains 1 gram of protein per serving.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Preserves.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include tomato relish, garden recipe, preserve, condiment, summer, homemade, and canning.
Why must the jar rims be wiped before sealing?
Wiping the rims clean is essential to ensure that no food residue prevents the lid from creating an airtight seal.
Can this recipe be made with garden-fresh ingredients?
Yes, it is specifically designed to use ripe tomatoes, onions, and celery straight from the garden.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe uses 10 specific ingredients.
What should be done after the jars are removed from the water bath?
After removal, the jars should be left to cool completely to allow the vacuum seal to set properly.