Mom’s Fruit Relish is a cherished Canadian recipe, passed down through generations, steeped in tradition and flavor. Originating from the late summer of 1983, this recipe embodies both nostalgia and practicality, requiring teamwork and dedication but yielding a relish that promises to elevate any meal it accompanies.
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: Approximately 8 pint jars
Category: Fruit
Keywords: Vegetable, Canadian, Vegan, Kosher, Summer, Weeknight, Canning, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive
Ingredients
- 20 beefsteak tomatoes
- 8 pears
- 8 onions
- 6 red bell peppers
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 cups vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pickling salt
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 709.9
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1770.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 174.2g
- Fiber: 15.6g
- Sugar: 149.1g
- Protein: 6.5g
Recipe Instructions
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Preparation: This recipe demands thorough preparation and is ideally tackled with a cooking partner to share in the workload. Begin by ensuring you have a large preserving kettle ready for use.
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Tomatoes: Peel the beefsteak tomatoes, remove the seeds, and dice them. Transfer them into the preserving kettle.
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Pears: Peel the pears, remove the cores, and slice them into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Add them to the kettle alongside the tomatoes.
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Onions: Peel the onions and finely chop them. Incorporate them into the kettle mixture.
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Red Bell Peppers: Remove the seeds from the red bell peppers and dice them finely. Add them to the kettle with the other ingredients.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: To the kettle, add the white sugar, vinegar, and pickling salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Cooking: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer vigorously, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. This process will take approximately 2 to 3 hours until the mixture thickens to a relish consistency.
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Final Steps: Once the relish has thickened to your liking, discard any spice bag if used. Ladle the hot relish into prepared, hot sterilized pint jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Seal the jars according to your preferred canning method.
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Canning (Optional): If you choose to preserve the relish for longer storage, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step ensures proper sealing and shelf stability.
Tips and Notes
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Collaborative Cooking: As noted by the recipe author, this is a recipe best prepared with a friend or family member due to the extensive prep and cooking time involved.
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Storage: If you opt not to process the jars, store them in the refrigerator. The relish will keep well for several weeks when stored this way.
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Versatile Use: Mom’s Fruit Relish pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to sandwiches and cheese boards. Its sweet and tangy profile makes it a versatile condiment for any occasion.
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Historical Context: Rooted in Canadian culinary traditions, recipes like these reflect the resourcefulness and seasonal abundance typical of home cooking in past decades.
Mom’s Fruit Relish not only preserves flavors but also memories of shared kitchen experiences and the joy of creating something homemade. Whether enjoyed fresh or preserved, this relish promises to add a delightful burst of flavor to your meals, embodying the essence of Canadian culinary heritage.
