Introducing a delectable recipe perfect for the holiday season: Christmas Relish! ๐๐ถ๏ธ This delightful relish bursts with vibrant colors and flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to your festive meals. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total time of 1 hour, this recipe yields approximately 7 pints, ensuring thereโs plenty to go around for your family and friends.
Letโs dive into the ingredients youโll need to create this tantalizing relish:

- 8 green bell peppers
- 6 red bell peppers
- 6 cups cider vinegar
- 5 cups sugar
- 4 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1 large onion
Now, letโs embark on the culinary journey of crafting this Christmas Relish:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by chopping the onions and peppers. In a large kettle, combine the chopped onions and peppers, then add 4 cups of boiling water. Allow the mixture to stand for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Drain and Simmer: After 5 minutes, drain the vegetables and return them to the kettle. Add 2 cups of vinegar and 2 cups of water to the kettle. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer, stirring occasionally, for an additional 5 minutes.
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Prepare the Syrup: While the vegetables are simmering, itโs time to prepare the syrup. In a separate saucepan, combine 3 cups of vinegar with 4 1/2 cups of sugar and the coarse salt. Heat the mixture gently, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Combine and Simmer: Once the sugar has dissolved, pour the syrup over the vegetables in the kettle. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the relish to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup slightly thickens and the vegetables become tender while retaining their crispness.
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Sterilize the Jars: While the relish is simmering, prepare your canning jars by sterilizing them. Wash the jars thoroughly with hot, soapy water, then place them in boiling water for a few minutes to sterilize. Be sure to also sterilize the lids and rings.
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Fill and Seal the Jars: Once the relish has finished simmering and has reached the desired consistency, carefully ladle it into the sterilized canning jars, filling them to within 1/4-inch of the tops. Wipe the rims of the jars with a dampened towel to ensure a clean seal, then tightly seal the jars with the lids and rings.
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Process in a Water Bath: To ensure proper preservation, process the filled jars in a boiling-water bath. Place the sealed jars in a large pot of boiling water, making sure the water level is at least 2 inches above the tops of the jars. Process the jars in the boiling-water bath for 10 minutes.
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Cool and Store: After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Now that youโve completed the steps, youโre ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor! This Christmas Relish is a versatile condiment that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to savory appetizers. Whether youโre serving it alongside your holiday feast or gifting it to loved ones, this homemade relish is sure to spread joy and delight throughout the festive season.