Sweet and Tangy Tomato Relish
This delightful sweet and tangy tomato relish is a cherished family recipe that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. With a perfect balance of sweetness from the ripe tomatoes and sugar, combined with the savory notes from onions and bell peppers, this relish is incredibly versatile. Whether spread on a sandwich, served as a dip with chips, or used as a delectable topping for grilled meats, you'll find yourself reaching for this relish again and again. Ideal for preserving the taste of summer tomatoes, it's a must-have accompaniment for any kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe tomatoes
12 lbs (Cored, peeled, and diced)
Onions
10 (Chopped finely)
Bell peppers
4 (Chopped finely)
Vinegar
1 quart (None)
Salt
2 tablespoons (None)
Cinnamon
1 tablespoon (None)
Allspice
1 tablespoon (None)
Mustard
1 tablespoon (None)
Sugar
5 cups (None)
Instructions
1
Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and prepare an ice bath.
2
Add the tomatoes to the boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to loosen the skins. Transfer them immediately to the ice bath. Once cooled, core, peel, and dice the tomatoes.
3
Chop the onions and bell peppers finely. In a large pot, combine the diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, vinegar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, mustard, and sugar.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the onions and peppers are soft, approximately 30-40 minutes.
5
Remove the pot from heat and let the relish cool to room temperature. Once cooled, you can transfer it into sterilized jars for canning, or keep it in airtight containers for refrigeration or freezing.
6
For a little extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of Cajun creole spice during the cooking process.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in this tomato relish?
The main ingredients include 12 lbs of ripe tomatoes, 10 onions, 4 bell peppers, 1 quart of vinegar, and 5 cups of sugar.
How many tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 12 pounds of ripe tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Tomatoes should be washed, blanched to remove skins, cored, and then diced.
What is the best way to peel the tomatoes?
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, submerge tomatoes for 30-60 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to loosen the skins.
How many onions are required?
The recipe calls for 10 onions, chopped finely.
What kind of peppers are used in this relish?
You should use 4 bell peppers, chopped finely.
How much sugar is used in the sweet and tangy tomato relish?
The recipe requires 5 cups of sugar to achieve its signature sweet flavor.
What spices provide the flavor profile for this relish?
The relish is flavored with cinnamon, allspice, mustard, and salt.
How much vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1 quart of vinegar.
How long does the relish need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for approximately 30-40 minutes until the onions and peppers are soft.
Can I make this relish spicy?
Yes, you can add diced jalapeños and Cajun creole spice during the cooking process for an extra kick.
What are the storage options for this relish?
You can transfer it into sterilized jars for canning, or store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer.
How should I cool the relish before storing?
Remove the pot from the heat and let the relish reach room temperature before transferring to containers.
What dishes pair well with this tomato relish?
It is excellent on sandwiches, served as a dip with chips, or as a topping for grilled meats.
Do I need to stir the relish while it is cooking?
Yes, stir the mixture occasionally while it is boiling and simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of salt.
What is the amount of cinnamon required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
Is allspice used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of allspice is used to spice the relish.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of mustard.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this is described as a cherished family recipe perfect for preserving summer tomatoes.
Should the vegetables be chopped finely or coarsely?
The onions and bell peppers should be chopped finely for the best consistency.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to wash the tomatoes and prepare a boiling water pot and an ice bath.
What temperature should I simmer the relish at?
After bringing the mixture to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Can I use this relish as a condiment?
Yes, it is categorized as a versatile condiment.
How many bell peppers should be chopped?
Four bell peppers should be finely chopped.
Is this recipe good for preserving summer tomatoes?
Yes, it is considered an ideal way to preserve the taste of ripe summer tomatoes.
What should the consistency of the peppers and onions be after cooking?
They should be soft after about 30-40 minutes of simmering.
Can the relish be frozen?
Yes, it can be kept in airtight containers for freezing.
What makes the relish 'tangy'?
The combination of vinegar and the natural acidity of the tomatoes provides the tanginess.
How do I ensure the jars are safe for canning?
The recipe recommends using sterilized jars for the canning process.