This easy pickled pepper and onion relish is a bright and zesty side dish! Made with colorful peppers and crunchy onions, it adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
The crisp veggies soaked in tangy vinegar will make your taste buds dance! I love serving this on burgers or tacos—it always makes every bite a little more exciting! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Use yellow or white onions for a great balance of flavor. If you’re looking for a milder taste, sweet onions could also work, but avoid red ones, as they may alter the color.
Bell Peppers: A mix of colors makes this relish visually appealing. If you don’t have all colors available, any single color will do! You could also try using poblano or banana peppers for a different flavor.
Vinegars: The combination of white and apple cider vinegar gives a balanced tanginess. If you’re out of one, you can replace them with distilled white vinegar or even rice vinegar for a milder taste.
Spices: Mustard seeds add a nice crunch and flavor. Feel free to skip the optional spices if you prefer a simpler taste. You can also add some garlic or dill for extra zing!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crunchy Vegetables in Pickling?
To maintain that perfect crunch in your pickled veggies, it’s important to slice them thinly and evenly. This ensures they pickle evenly and absorb the flavors without becoming mushy. Here are a few extra tips:
- Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform slices.
- Cut the veggies just before you make the brine to keep them fresh.
- Allow the mixture to cool before pouring over the veggies, as too much heat can soften them.
- Let them sit in the brine for at least 24 hours before serving for the best flavor and crunch.
Easy Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup thinly sliced onions (yellow or white)
- 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (a mix of red, green, and yellow)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 24 hours of marinating in the refrigerator. The longer you let it sit, the more flavorful your relish will be! This quick and simple recipe is perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Vegetables:
Start by thinly slicing the onions and bell peppers. This helps them absorb the brine evenly and ensures they stay crunchy. Set sliced vegetables aside for later.
2. Make the Pickling Brine:
In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, celery seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Boil the Brine:
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Once it reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Pack the Vegetables:
Next, place the thinly sliced onions and peppers into a clean mason jar or any heatproof container. Make sure the vegetables are packed in there nicely!
5. Pour the Brine:
Carefully pour the hot vinegar mixture over the veggies, making sure all the vegetables are submerged in the brine. This helps them pickle properly.
6. Cool and Refrigerate:
Let your jar cool to room temperature. Once it’s cool, cover the jar with a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the relish to marinate for at least 24 hours before serving to develop the best flavor.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
After marinating, your relish is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it chilled or at room temperature as a tasty condiment for grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers. This pickled pepper and onion relish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoy the tangy, crunchy burst of flavor with every bite! 🌶️
FAQ: Easy Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish
Can I Use Different Types of Vinegar?
Absolutely! While the blend of white vinegar and apple cider vinegar offers great flavor, you can experiment with other options like distilled vinegar or rice vinegar for a milder taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Relish?
If you prefer a sweeter relish, simply add a bit more sugar to the brine, tasting as you go to get your desired sweetness. Conversely, if you want it less sweet, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, or even radishes. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the slicing thickness and marinating time for different vegetables.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store the pickled relish in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It should last up to 2 weeks. For best flavor and crunch, consume it within the first week!
