Green Tomato Relish

Green Tomato Relish Recipe - A Classic American Condiment

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 20

Introduction

Green tomato relish is a tangy and sweet condiment that is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. This recipe is a great way to use up those unripe green tomatoes from your garden before the first frost hits.

History

Green tomato relish has been a popular recipe in the southern United States for generations. It was originally created as a way to preserve green tomatoes at the end of the growing season. The tangy and sweet flavor of the relish pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile condiment to have on hand.

Ingredients

2 gallons of diced green tomatoes
0.5 gallon of diced white onion
1 qt (946 ml) of diced banana peppers
6 cups of sugar
2 tbsp of black pepper
0.5 cup of salt
0.5 gallon of white vinegar

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, pepper, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
Add the remaining ingredients to the mixture and bring it to a full boil.
Remove the mixture from heat and pack it in quart jars with new ring lids.

Variations

For a spicier relish, add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mixture. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic, for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making green tomato relish, be sure to dice the tomatoes, onions, and peppers into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. It's also important to use a large pot when cooking the relish to prevent it from boiling over.

Serving Suggestions

Green tomato relish is delicious served on top of grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for hot dogs and burgers.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious green tomato relish is to cook it slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to stir the mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have green tomatoes on hand, you can use red tomatoes instead. You can also substitute the white onions with yellow or red onions for a slightly different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Green tomato relish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and freeze it in smaller portions for later use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve green tomato relish in a small bowl or jar with a spoon for easy serving. You can also garnish the relish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Green tomato relish pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, sandwiches, and cheese platters. It also makes a great addition to salads and wraps.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover green tomato relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply microwave the relish for 30 seconds or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of green tomato relish contains approximately 60 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of green tomato relish contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Green tomato relish is a low-fat condiment, with each serving containing less than 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

There is minimal protein in green tomato relish, with each serving containing less than 1 gram.

Vitamins and minerals

Green tomato relish is a good source of vitamin C, with each serving providing approximately 10% of the recommended daily intake.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Green tomato relish is a low-calorie condiment that is a good source of vitamin C and carbohydrates.

Summary

Green tomato relish is a delicious and versatile condiment that is easy to make at home. With its tangy and sweet flavor, it's the perfect addition to a variety of dishes. Enjoy this homemade relish on your favorite foods for a burst of flavor in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Green Tomato Relish. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. My mother had received the recipe from a neighbor who had learned it from her own grandmother, and she passed it on to me with excitement in her eyes.

I had never heard of green tomato relish before, and the idea of using unripe tomatoes to make a sweet and tangy condiment intrigued me. I was eager to learn how to make it, so I followed my mother into the kitchen, where she showed me how to prepare the ingredients and cook them into a delicious relish.

The recipe called for green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, sugar, vinegar, and a blend of spices that included mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. As we chopped and stirred, the kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of simmering vegetables and spices. I watched in awe as the mixture transformed into a vibrant green relish, ready to be canned and enjoyed for months to come.

I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could come together to create such a flavorful and versatile condiment. I couldn't wait to share it with my friends and family, and soon enough, they were all asking for the recipe so they could make their own batches of green tomato relish.

Over the years, I have continued to make this recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my tastes and experimenting with different variations. I have added extra spices for a bolder flavor, used different types of vinegar for a unique twist, and even mixed in other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for a colorful medley of flavors.

Each time I make green tomato relish, I am reminded of the sense of wonder I felt when I first learned how to make it. It has become a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations and shared with friends and neighbors who are always eager to taste a spoonful of my homemade relish.

I have fond memories of making batches of green tomato relish with my mother, standing side by side at the stove as we stirred the bubbling mixture and filled jars with the tangy-sweet condiment. It was a labor of love, a tradition that brought us together and left us with a pantry stocked full of jars of homemade goodness.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of green tomatoes, onions, and spices, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the recipe that has brought so much joy and flavor into my life. I am proud to carry on the tradition of making green tomato relish, passing down the recipe to my own children and grandchildren, who I hope will continue to share it with their loved ones for years to come.

And so, as I take a spoonful of the freshly made relish and savor the tangy-sweet flavors on my tongue, I am filled with a sense of wonder once again. Wonder at the simple magic of cooking, of transforming humble ingredients into something truly special and delicious. Wonder at the enduring power of a family recipe, passed down through generations and cherished by all who taste it. Wonder at the beauty of sharing food and memories with those we love.