Green Tomato Hot Dog Relish Recipe π π
Prep Time: 24 hours
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 hours 10 minutes
Servings: Makes 6 half pint jars
Description:
Indulge in the tangy delight of this homemade Green Tomato Hot Dog Relish, a recipe that perfectly balances flavors and textures. With a hint of sweetness and a burst of savory goodness, this relish is an ideal accompaniment to your favorite hot dogs or sandwiches. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and suitable for canning, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 6 green tomatoes
- 2 onions
- 2 green peppers
- 1 tablespoon pickling salt
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- In a large bowl, combine the green tomatoes, onions, and pickling salt. Ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and let it stand overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the salt to draw out excess moisture.
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Sterilization:
- Prior to starting the cooking process, sterilize 6 half pint jars thoroughly to maintain the freshness of your relish.
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Preparation of Vegetables:
- After the overnight rest, rinse the green tomatoes and onions thoroughly under cold water to remove the excess salt.
- Drain the vegetables well and ensure there is no excess moisture left.
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Making the Pickling Liquid:
- In a large saucepan, combine the vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, and ground ginger. Stir well to ensure the sugar is dissolved.
- To infuse the liquid with aromatic spices, tie the whole cloves, cinnamon stick, and celery seed in a square of cheesecloth. Add this spice bundle to the pickling liquid.
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Cooking the Relish:
- Bring the pickling liquid to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, add the drained green tomatoes, onions, and green peppers to the saucepan. Stirring frequently, allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 1 hour. This slow simmering process helps meld the flavors together and develop the desired consistency.
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Jarring the Relish:
- While the relish is simmering, prepare the jars for filling. Ensure they are still hot from sterilization.
- Using a ladle, carefully fill each jar with the hot relish, leaving about 1/2 inch of space from the top to allow for expansion.
- To eliminate any trapped air bubbles, run a spatula around the inside of each jar.
- Securely cover each jar with a heated snap lid and screw on the band to ensure a tight seal.
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Water Bath Processing:
- In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. This same pot and water used for sterilization can be utilized for the water bath process.
- Carefully place the filled jars into the boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Process the jars in the water bath for 10 minutes to seal them effectively and preserve the relish for long-term storage.
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Cooling and Storage:
- After the water bath processing, carefully remove the jars from the pot and place them on a clean kitchen towel to cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you may hear the satisfying “pop” sound of the lids sealing, indicating a successful canning process.
- Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place. Properly canned relish can be stored for up to a year, providing you with a delicious homemade condiment whenever you need it.
Enjoy the zesty goodness of your homemade Green Tomato Hot Dog Relish with your favorite grilled sausages, hot dogs, or sandwiches. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family, and elevate your meals with a burst of homemade flavor!
