How to make and can THE BEST Green Tomato Relish. This simple canning recipe is made with green tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. It’s a great way to preserve unripe garden green tomatoes and create a flavorful condiment perfect for various dishes.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Relish Base
- For Flavoring
- How to Make Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Step 2: Cook the Mixture
- Step 3: Heat and Simmer
- Step 4: Prepare Canning Jars
- Step 5: Fill Jars
- Step 6: Process Jars
- How to Serve Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
- On Sandwiches
- As a Dip
- With Grilled Meats
- In Tacos
- Mixed into Salads
- As a Burger Topping
- How to Perfect Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
- Best Side Dishes for Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
- Reheating Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Green Tomato Relish last?
- Can I use other types of tomatoes?
- Can I adjust the sweetness?
- What do I serve with Green Tomato Relish?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can prepare your own relish at home.
- Flavorful Addition: The blend of sweet and tangy flavors elevates any meal.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy it on sandwiches, burgers, or as a side with grilled meats.
- Preservation Method: Canning allows you to enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
- Great for Gifting: Share your homemade relish with friends and family as a thoughtful gift.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes this process smoother and more enjoyable. Gather these essential items before you start making your Green Tomato Relish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Canning jars
- Large pot for boiling
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Canning jars: Essential for storing your relish safely and ensuring it lasts longer.
- Large pot for boiling: Needed for processing the jars, ensuring they seal properly.
- Ladle: Helps pour the relish into jars without spills or mess.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Green Tomato Relish (canning option), gather the following ingredients:
For the Relish Base
- 11 pounds green tomatoes
- 8 cups onions (equals about 8 large onions)
- 3 red bell peppers (halved, seeds removed)
- 3 green bell peppers (halved, seeds removed)
For Flavoring
- 3 cups white sugar
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons celery seed
- 3 tablespoons mustard seed
- 1 tablespoon salt
How to Make Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Wash the green tomatoes thoroughly under cold water.
- Chop the green tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers into small pieces.
- Measure out the sugar, apple cider vinegar, celery seed, mustard seed, and salt.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
- In a large pot, combine chopped green tomatoes, onions, red and green bell peppers.
- Add in the sugar, apple cider vinegar, celery seed, mustard seed, and salt.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients together.
Step 3: Heat and Simmer
- Place the pot on medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Prepare Canning Jars
- While the relish cooks, sterilize your canning jars by boiling them in hot water.
- Keep lids in hot water to soften the sealing compound.
Step 5: Fill Jars
- Once the relish has thickened slightly, use a ladle to fill each sterilized jar with hot relish.
- Leave about half an inch of space at the top before sealing.
Step 6: Process Jars
- Wipe any residue from jar rims before placing lids on top.
- Process jars in boiling water for approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Let them cool completely on a towel or cooling rack after removing from water.
Enjoy your homemade Green Tomato Relish as a delightful addition to meals or share with others!
How to Serve Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
Green tomato relish is a versatile condiment that adds a tangy flavor to various dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this delightful relish.
On Sandwiches
- Layer it on your favorite sandwiches for an added crunch and zest. It pairs wonderfully with turkey or chicken sandwiches.
As a Dip
- Serve green tomato relish as a dip with tortilla chips or crackers. Its unique flavor will surprise and delight your guests!
With Grilled Meats
- Spoon it over grilled chicken or beef for a refreshing twist. The acidity of the relish complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
In Tacos
- Use it as a topping for tacos, giving them an extra kick. It works well with both meat and vegetarian fillings.
Mixed into Salads
- Add a spoonful to salads for an unexpected burst of flavor. It can elevate simple greens to something remarkable.
As a Burger Topping
- Use green tomato relish as a topping for burgers. It provides a great contrast to the richness of the meat.
How to Perfect Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
Making the best green tomato relish involves some key techniques. Follow these tips to enhance your canning process.
Choose firm tomatoes: Select unripe, firm green tomatoes for the best texture and flavor in your relish.
Chop evenly: Ensure that all vegetables are chopped into similar sizes. This promotes even cooking and better consistency in the final product.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to adjust sugar according to your taste preference. A sweeter relish can balance out tartness from vinegar.
Sterilize jars properly: Before filling your jars, sterilize them in boiling water to prevent spoilage and ensure safe canning.
Seal tightly: Make sure your lids are sealed tightly after processing. A proper seal is crucial for long-term storage.
Best Side Dishes for Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
Green tomato relish complements many side dishes perfectly. Here are some great options to serve alongside it:
Cornbread: This sweet and savory bread pairs wonderfully with the tangy relish, creating a perfect balance.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and texture, making it an ideal companion for meals featuring green tomato relish.
Potato Salad: The creamy nature of potato salad contrasts nicely with the acidity of the relish, enhancing overall flavor.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies bring out natural sweetness, which works well alongside the sharp notes of green tomato relish.
Baked Beans: The hearty nature of baked beans complements the relish, making for a satisfying meal combination.
Stuffed Peppers: These flavorful peppers filled with rice and spices pair excellently with green tomato relish as a sidekick.
Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf offers a neutral base that allows the flavors of the relish to shine through.
Pasta Salad: Tossed with fresh ingredients, pasta salad makes a refreshing addition when served alongside green tomato relish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Green Tomato Relish (canning option) comes out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Skipping the prep work: Not chopping your vegetables uniformly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to dice all ingredients to a similar size for consistent texture.
- Ignoring acidity levels: Using the wrong vinegar type can affect flavor and preservation. Always stick to apple cider vinegar for this recipe, as it balances sweetness and tartness well.
- Not following canning guidelines: Failing to process jars properly may result in spoilage. Always follow safe canning practices, including ensuring jars are sealed correctly.
- Using unripe tomatoes: While green tomatoes are essential, overly immature ones can taste bitter. Choose firm green tomatoes that have just begun to ripen for the best flavor.
- Overcooking the relish: Cooking too long can make your relish mushy. Keep an eye on the timing; 30 minutes should be sufficient for a good consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Use airtight containers to store your Green Tomato Relish in the refrigerator.
- Consume within 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
Freezing Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- Best if used within 6 months for maximum flavor.
Reheating Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over low flame, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and canning Green Tomato Relish.
How long does Green Tomato Relish last?
Green Tomato Relish can last up to 1 year when properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place.
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
You can experiment with ripe tomatoes or mixed varieties, but the flavor will differ from traditional green tomato relish.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes! Feel free to reduce the sugar amount if you prefer a less sweet relish. Just keep in mind that this may affect preservation.
What do I serve with Green Tomato Relish?
Green Tomato Relish pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a flavorful topping for crackers and cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Green Tomato Relish (canning option) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a side dish or use it creatively in various recipes. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding spices or different peppers according to your taste!
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Green Tomato Relish (canning option)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 64 servings (based on a serving size of one tablespoon) 1x
Description
Discover the delightful world of homemade Green Tomato Relish (canning option) with this easy-to-follow recipe! Perfect for preserving those unripe garden tomatoes, this tangy condiment combines the crispness of green tomatoes, the sweetness of bell peppers, and a touch of sugar for balance. Whether you’re enhancing your favorite sandwiches, spicing up tacos, or serving it alongside grilled meats, this relish is sure to elevate every meal. Plus, canning allows you to enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer all year round. Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful addition to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 11 pounds green tomatoes
- 8 cups onions
- 3 red bell peppers (halved, seeds removed)
- 3 green bell peppers (halved, seeds removed)
- 3 cups white sugar
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons celery seed
- 3 tablespoons mustard seed
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Wash green tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Chop them along with onions and bell peppers into small pieces.
- In a large pot, combine chopped vegetables with sugar, apple cider vinegar, celery seed, mustard seed, and salt. Stir well.
- Heat on medium until boiling; then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sterilize canning jars by boiling them in hot water while the relish cooks.
- Once thickened slightly, fill sterilized jars with hot relish using a ladle, leaving half an inch space at the top.
- Wipe jar rims clean before placing lids on top. Process jars in boiling water for 10-15 minutes and let cool completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 28
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
