Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Relish
This Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Relish is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, adding a zesty kick to sandwiches, burgers, and hotdogs. Enjoy the perfect blend of heat and sweetness, which is achieved through a careful balance of jalapeños, cucumbers, and onions. This relish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also serves as an excellent way to preserve the vibrant flavors of summer. With a flavorful vinegar brine and the aromatic essence of pickling spices, it will keep your pantry stocked with deliciousness! Just follow the simple steps below to create your own batch and enjoy sharing it with friends and family. Perfect for weeknight meals or as a gift from your kitchen, this recipe yields approximately 7 pints, allowing you to relish in its delightful flavor all year long.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
jalapenos
1 1/2 quarts (finely chopped)
cucumber
1 quart (finely chopped)
onions
2 large (finely chopped)
salt
1/4 cup (to draw moisture from vegetables)
sugar
5 1/4 cups (for sweetness and balancing heat)
cider vinegar
3 cups (for a tangy flavor)
pickling spices
4 teaspoons (tied in cheesecloth)
Instructions
1
In a large glass bowl, combine finely chopped jalapeños, cucumbers, and onions with salt. Pour enough cold water over the vegetables to cover them completely. Let the mixture stand for 2 hours to draw out moisture.
2
After soaking, drain the vegetables and press gently to remove any excess water.
3
In a large pot, mix together the sugar and cider vinegar. Place the pickling spices in a piece of cheesecloth, tie it securely, and add it to the pot.
4
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Add the drained vegetable mixture to the pot with the brine and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Remember to remove the spice bag after simmering.
6
Carefully pack the hot relish into clean, hot jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace. Seal the jars with sterilized lids.
7
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation. Allow to cool before storing.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
10g
Carbs
0.1g
Protein
9.6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Relish?
It is a zesty condiment made from jalapeños, cucumbers, and onions, offering a balance of heat and sweetness perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and hotdogs.
How many jars of relish does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 7 pints.
How much jalapeño is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 quarts of finely chopped jalapeños.
How much cucumber do I need to prepare?
The recipe calls for 1 quart of finely chopped cucumber.
What type of vinegar is used for the brine?
Cider vinegar is used to provide a tangy flavor.
Why is salt added to the vegetables before cooking?
Salt is used to draw moisture out of the jalapeños, cucumbers, and onions during a two-hour soaking period.
How long should the vegetable mixture soak in water?
The mixture should stand for 2 hours covered in cold water.
What type of bowl should be used for the soaking process?
A large glass bowl is recommended for combining the vegetables, salt, and water.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 1/4 cups of sugar to balance the heat of the jalapeños.
How are the pickling spices handled?
Four teaspoons of pickling spices should be tied securely in a piece of cheesecloth and added to the pot.
How long do you simmer the brine before adding vegetables?
After the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
How long do the vegetables simmer in the brine?
Once the drained vegetables are added to the pot, they should simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
When should the spice bag be removed?
The spice bag should be removed after the 10-minute simmer with the vegetables is complete.
What is the required headspace when filling jars?
You should leave about half an inch of headspace when packing the relish into jars.
How long should the jars be processed in a boiling water bath?
Process the jars for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
What are the calories per serving for this relish?
There are 40 calories per serving.
How much fat is in the Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Relish?
This relish contains 0g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in a single serving?
There is 9.6g of sugar per serving.
Is there any protein in this relish?
Yes, there is a small amount of protein, approximately 0.1g per serving.
How many large onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 large onions, finely chopped.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can this relish be used as a gift?
Yes, it is described as a perfect gift from your kitchen.
Is this recipe suitable for long-term storage?
Yes, the water bath canning process allows you to keep your pantry stocked all year long.
What is the preparation method for the cucumbers?
The cucumbers should be finely chopped before being mixed with other ingredients.
Do the jars need to be hot when filling them?
Yes, you should carefully pack the hot relish into clean, hot jars.
What should be done after the water bath processing?
Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a blend of heat and sweetness with aromatic essence from pickling spices.
Does this relish use white vinegar?
No, this specific recipe uses 3 cups of cider vinegar.
What is the purpose of the cheesecloth?
The cheesecloth is used to hold the pickling spices so they can be easily removed after simmering.