Recipe For Red Relish: Tangy Condiment With Bold Flavor

This vibrant red relish delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that elevate any dish. It’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few pantry staples.

Store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a month. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more bold and delicious.

Ingredients for Recipe for Red Relish

A few bright veggies and pantry staples make this bold condiment sing.

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The bell peppers are the star—look for firm, glossy ones at the market (avoid any with soft spots). I grab mine from Trader Joe’s or the farmers market when they’re in season. Red onion adds the perfect sharpness, but a sweet onion works too if you prefer milder flavor. The vinegar quality matters more than you’d think—Bragg is my go-to for consistent acidity.

Swapping sugar? Coconut sugar or maple syrup both work, but adjust sweetness to taste since they’re more intense. No mustard seeds? Dijon mustard at half the amount gets you close. Missing celery seeds? A pinch of ground celery salt can substitute (just reduce the regular salt a bit). Fresh peppers out of season? Jarred roasted red peppers work in a pinch (drain and chop finely).

This keeps 4-6 weeks in the fridge in a clean jar. The flavor gets deeper after a few days—wait at least 24 hours before using for best results. Freezes okay too, though texture softens a bit (still great for cooking).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Red Relish

This tangy condiment comes together faster than you’d think.

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Start by coring and seeding the 2 whole Red Bell Peppers, then finely dice them into small, even pieces. I like to stack a few slices and cut them into tiny cubes—this ensures they soften quickly and blend well in the final relish.

Next, finely chop the 1 whole Red Onion. A medium onion works best here, as it provides just the right amount of sharpness without overpowering the sweetness of the peppers. Keep the pieces similar in size to the peppers for even cooking.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients in a Saucepan

In a medium saucepan, combine the diced red bell peppers, chopped red onion, 0.75 cup Apple Cider Vinegar, 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar, 2 tbsp Tomato Paste, 1 tsp Mustard Seeds, 0.5 tsp Celery Seeds, 1 tsp Salt, and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper.

Stir everything together until the tomato paste dissolves completely into the liquid. The apple cider vinegar will give the relish its signature tang, while the sugar balances it with sweetness.

Step 3: Simmer Until Thickened

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.

Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring every so often, until the liquid reduces by about half and the relish thickens slightly. You’ll notice the red bell peppers and red onion soften and the flavors meld together. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon but still have a loose, chunky consistency.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the relish cool to room temperature. It’ll thicken a bit more as it cools, but it should still be spoonable. I like to give it a stir every few minutes during this cooling period to help it settle evenly.

Once cooled, transfer the relish to a clean, airtight jar or container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, and the flavors deepen the longer it sits. Serve this with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for cream cheese and crackers.

Health Benefits of These Flavors

Rich in Antioxidants

Red relish packs a punch with vitamins A and C, which help combat free radicals and support a healthy immune system. 🥗 These antioxidants also promote glowing skin and may reduce inflammation, making this condiment as good as it tastes!

Supports Digestive Health

The vinegar base in red relish contains acetic acid, known to aid digestion and improve gut health. 💪 Plus, the fiber from vegetables like tomatoes and peppers keeps your digestive system running smoothly.

Low-Calorie Flavor Boost

With minimal calories and no fat, red relish is a guilt-free way to add zesty flavor to meals. 📊 It’s packed with dietary fiber and natural sugars, making it a smarter choice than high-calorie sauces.

Heart-Healthy Nutrients

Ingredients like tomatoes and beets in red relish provide potassium and lycopene, which support heart health and may lower blood pressure. 🍎 A little relish can go a long way in keeping your ticker happy!