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Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe canning best red bell pepper

Sweet Pickle Relish

The absolute BEST sweet pickle relish!
4.94 from 15 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 lbs cucumbers , peeled, center row of seeds removed, and finely diced
  • 1 large sweet onion , such as Vidalia or Walla Walla
  • 1 large red bell pepper , finely diced
  • 1/4 cup kosher or pickling salt , neither of these have additives which is important for canning
  • 3 cups white granulated sugar
  • 2 cups cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown mustard seeds
  • 2 teaspoons celery seeds
  • 4 whole allspice berries
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions
 

  • Place the diced cucumbers, onion, and red bell pepper in a large mixing bowl. Combine with the salt and pour water over the mixture until covered. Let sit for at least 6 hours or overnight.
    Drain the cucumber mixture in a colander, rinse thoroughly with water, and drain again.
  • In a large stock pot, add the sugar, vinegar, and spices and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the drained cucumber mixture and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
    Ladle the hot relish into sterile jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal tightly with the lids.
    Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and let them sit undisturbed for 24 hours.
    Sealed jars will store in a cool, dark place for a year. If the seal is broken, the relish will keep in the fridge for a month.
    This makes about 4 pints.
    Let the relish sit for at least a week or two before using to give the flavors time to meld.
Course condiment
Cuisine American
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