๐ฉโ๐ณ๐ถ๏ธ๐ ๐ Aunt Bettye Sue’s Dixie Relish ๐ฝ๐ฅ๐ฏ
Aunt Bettye Sue’s Dixie Relish is a delightful Southern condiment that adds a burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness to your favorite dishes. It’s a cherished recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and it’s perfect for spicing up sandwiches, hot dogs, or even as a side for a traditional Southern meal. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
History:
Aunt Bettye Sue’s Dixie Relish has its origins in the American South, where relishes and chutneys were commonly prepared to preserve the bounty of summer gardens. It’s believed to have been created by Aunt Bettye Sue, a legendary Southern cook known for her culinary skills and love of homegrown produce. She crafted this relish to capture the essence of Dixie cuisine, and it soon became a family treasure.
Components:
- 6 cups of diced green tomatoes
- 4 cups of diced onions
- 2 cups of diced red bell peppers
- 2 cups of diced green bell peppers
- 2 cups of diced cabbage
- 1 cup of diced cucumbers
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon of celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dice all the vegetables. Ensure they are of uniform size for even cooking.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the diced green tomatoes, onions, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and cucumbers.
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Mix Sweetening Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, white vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, salt, and turmeric.
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Cook Relish: Pour the sweetening mixture over the vegetables in the pot. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. The mixture should thicken and become relish-like.
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Sterilize Jars: While the relish is simmering, sterilize canning jars and lids in boiling water for about 10 minutes.
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Fill Jars: Once the relish has thickened to your liking, carefully fill the sterilized jars with the hot relish, leaving about 1/2-inch headspace.
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Seal Jars: Wipe the jar rims clean and seal them with the sterilized lids. Tighten the bands until they are fingertip-tight.
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Water Bath Canning: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to ensure they are properly sealed and preserved.
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Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath, allow them to cool, and listen for the satisfying “pop” as they seal. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for several weeks to let the flavors meld and mellow.
Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Aunt Bettye Sue’s Dixie Relish may take a few hours, depending on your experience in the kitchen and the quantity you’re making. However, the wait for the relish to mature and develop its full flavor can be several weeks, so patience is key.
This relish is not only a delicious addition to your meals but also a delightful way to connect with Southern culinary traditions. ๐ฝ๏ธ Enjoy your homemade Dixie Relish!
๐ถ๏ธ๐ ๐ Aunt Bettye Sue’s Dixie Relish Nutrition Facts and Health Information ๐ฝ๐ฅ๐ฏ
Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- Calories: 15
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Aunt Bettye Sue’s Dixie Relish is relatively low in calories, making it a flavorful addition to your dishes without significantly impacting your calorie intake.
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Low in Fat: This relish is virtually fat-free, which is excellent for those looking to reduce their fat consumption.
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Low in Sodium: With only 40mg of sodium per tablespoon, Aunt Bettye Sue’s Dixie Relish is a relatively low-sodium condiment, making it a healthier alternative to many commercial relishes that can be high in salt.
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Source of Vitamins: The vegetables used in this relish, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers, provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.
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Limited Sugar: While it does contain sugar, it’s relatively low compared to some other condiments. Moderation is still advised for those watching their sugar intake.
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No Saturated Fat or Cholesterol: The recipe contains no saturated fat or cholesterol, which is good for heart health.
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Fiber Content: While this relish isn’t particularly high in fiber, it does contribute a small amount due to the vegetables used.
Aunt Bettye Sue’s Dixie Relish can be a tasty and health-conscious choice when used in moderation as a condiment to enhance the flavors of your meals. However, like all condiments, it’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
