Oh, the sheer joy of a fresh tomato relish! It’s like capturing summer in a jar, with its sweet tanginess and vibrant red hue. Imagine slathering it on a crusty baguette or pairing it with your favorite cheese. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just jazzing up your weekday dinner, these easy tomato relish recipes are your ticket to a flavor-packed experience.
Steps
- Zest and juice two limes to yield about 3 tablespoons of juice. Dice half a red onion into small pieces. Gather 5 cups of roughly chopped and seeded tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves.
- Combine all the prepared ingredients in a large saucepan or skillet. Stir them together until they are well mixed.
- Place the pan over medium heat and let the mixture simmer. Stir every few minutes to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. As it cooks, the sugar will dissolve, and the mixture will become juicy.
- Continue to simmer until the relish reduces by a quarter and achieves a rich red color. When the mixture thickens while still retaining some juiciness, it’s ready. This process generally takes about 30 minutes.
- Once cooked, you can use the relish immediately while it’s warm or allow it to cool and store it in sterilized jars for future use.
Ingredients
- 5 cups tomatoes, roughly chopped and seeded
- 2 limes (zest and juice)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (peeled)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (or substitute with a pumpkin spice blend)
- 1/2 red onion, diced
Nutritional Values
Calories: 954kcal | Carbohydrates: 240g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2.4g | Sodium: 60mg | Fiber: 12g
FAQ
- What is the primary difference between chutney and relish?
- Chutney and relish share similar ingredients such as chopped vegetables or fruits, an acid, and spices. However, the key difference lies in their consistency. Chutneys are usually thicker and more spreadable, as they are cooked longer. Relishes, on the other hand, have a chunkier texture and a sweet-sour taste, with the fruits or veggies retaining more of their original texture.
- Can any type of tomato be used in this tomato relish recipe?
- Yes, you can use any type of fresh tomatoes you have available. The recipe suggests Roma and grape tomatoes due to their flavors and textures. Roma tomatoes are meaty and easy to seed, while cherry and grape tomatoes offer a concentrated flavor with tiny, tender seeds.
- How should I store tomato relish, and how long will it last?
- Store the tomato relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw the frozen relish in the fridge overnight before using it.
- What are some creative ways to use tomato relish?
- Tomato relish can enhance various dishes. Try adding it to a cheese and bread charcuterie board, using it as a topping for homemade burgers or deviled eggs, or spreading it over warm beer bread for an extra layer of flavor.
- Are there any substitutes for ground cloves in the recipe?
- If you don’t have ground cloves on hand, you can either omit them or use a pumpkin spice blend as a substitute. This blend includes spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, which complement the relish’s flavors.
Tips
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time as it can vary depending on the juiciness of your tomatoes. This helps prevent the sugars from burning and ensures the relish reaches the right consistency and flavor.
- Choose Your Tomatoes Wisely: You can use any tomato variety for this relish, but Roma tomatoes are particularly useful for their meaty texture, while cherry and grape tomatoes bring a concentrated flavor. Remember to seed larger tomatoes to avoid bitterness.
- Substitute Ingredients Creatively: If you don’t have ground cloves, you can substitute it with a pumpkin spice blend, which complements the relish’s flavors surprisingly well.
- Proper Storage: Store your tomato relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months, leaving space for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Equipment
- Zester – For zesting the limes.
- Mason Jars – For storing the relish, especially if you plan to give it as gifts.
