Recipe for Canning Sweet Pickle Relish
Sweet pickle relish is a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed on burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and more. It's a sweet and tangy treat that's easy to make at home. Here's a simple recipe for canning sweet pickle relish:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds pickling cucumbers, sliced thin
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers and Onion:
- Wash and slice the cucumbers thinly.
- Chop the onion into small pieces.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- Place the cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.
- Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seed, and mustard seed.
- Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated.
3. Let It Sit:
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. This allows the cucumbers to soften and release their juices.
4. Cook and Pack:
- Note: If you are using a water bath canning method, make sure your jars and lids are sterilized by boiling them for 10 minutes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil in a large pot.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cucumbers are tender.
- Pack the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean.
5. Process the Jars:
- Place the jars in a canner filled with water that is hot but not boiling.
- The water should cover the jars by at least an inch.
- Bring the water to a full boil, and then process the jars for 15 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely.
6. Store and Enjoy:
- Once the jars are completely cooled, check the lids to make sure they are sealed properly.
- You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
- Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips:
- For a spicier relish, add a few hot peppers to the mixture.
- To make a sweeter relish, increase the sugar by 1/4 cup.
- If you don't have a canner, you can store the relish in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoy your homemade sweet pickle relish!
