grandma’s old fashioned green tomato relish recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best grandma’s old fashioned green tomato relish recipe

Grandma’s old fashioned green tomato relish recipe is one of my favorite condiments to make. It reminds me of the classic dishes from my childhood, and my kids love it too. This relish is a versatile addition to any meal, perfect for family gatherings or just a regular weeknight dinner.

It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and even as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses. The tangy and slightly sweet flavor of green tomatoes makes this relish a delightful blend of flavors that everyone in my family enjoys. The best part is that it’s packed with nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a healthier choice compared to many store-bought condiments.

This recipe is also very easy to make and doesn’t require any special skills or techniques, so even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily whip up a batch. Another great thing about this recipe is that it uses green tomatoes, which are typically abundant in late summer and early fall, making it a great way to use up any surplus from your garden or local farmers market. The relish also has a long shelf life, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the year.

One of the key techniques in making this relish is the canning process, which involves boiling the jars to seal them properly. This ensures that the relish stays fresh and flavorful for a long time. The process might seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature.

Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing rows of gleaming jars filled with your homemade relish. It’s a great way to preserve the flavors of summer and share them with loved ones.

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Green Tomato Relish

4.7 from 1429 votes

This classic green tomato relish recipe is tangy, sweet, and perfect for canning. It’s a great way to use up late-season green tomatoes and enjoy them year-round.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time2 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 30 mins
Servings: 8-10Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 40 kcal per tablespoon

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

4 pounds green tomatoes, diced
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups white vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons mustard seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons celery seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
4 8-ounce jars with lids and rings for canning

👨‍🍳Directions

1Dice the green tomatoes into small pieces, about 1/4 inch in size.
2Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3Finely chop the onion and green bell pepper and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
4Sprinkle the diced vegetables with 1/2 cup of salt.
5Mix well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
6Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours or overnight.
7This process helps to draw out the excess liquid from the vegetables, which will improve the texture and flavor of the relish.
8After the vegetables have sat, rinse them under cold water and drain well.
9Squeeze out as much liquid as possible using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
10This step is crucial for removing the excess liquid that has been drawn out by the salt.
11In a large pot, combine the drained vegetables, sugar, white vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using).
12Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
13Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
14Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the relish has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
15Stir frequently to prevent the relish from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
16While the relish is simmering, prepare your canning jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and rinsing thoroughly.
17Place the jars in a canning pot or large stockpot with a rack and cover them with water.
18Bring the water to a boil and let the jars boil for at least 10 minutes to sterilize them.
19Keep the jars hot until you’re ready to fill them.
20Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
21Using a jar lifter, carefully remove the hot jars from the canning pot and place them on a clean kitchen towel.
22Ladle the hot relish into the jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
23Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
24Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings until they are fingertip-tight.
25Do not overtighten the rings, as this can prevent the jars from sealing properly.
26Place the filled jars back into the canning pot, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of water.
27Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 10 minutes.
28Start timing when the water reaches a full rolling boil.
29After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes.
30Using a jar lifter, carefully remove the jars from the canning pot and place them on a clean kitchen towel.
31Let the jars cool to room temperature undisturbed for at least 12-24 hours.
32You should hear a popping sound as the jars seal.
33To check if the jars have sealed properly, press down on the center of the lid.
34If it pops up and down, the jar has not sealed and should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.
35If the lid is concave and does not flex, the jar has sealed properly and can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
36Once the jars have cooled to room temperature, label them with the date and store them in a cool, dark place.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Large pot
Canning jars with lids and rings
Canning pot or large stockpot with a rack
Jar lifter
Ladle
Clean kitchen towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 40 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

This recipe makes about 4 pints of green tomato relish. You can adjust the spices and sugar to taste. For a spicier relish, add more cayenne pepper. Store the relish in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a few weeks. This relish is a great condiment to have on hand for grilling season or to give as gifts to friends and family.

Watch Video Of How Grandma’s Old Fashioned Green Tomato Relish Works

I always make sure to have a batch of this relish on hand for family gatherings and holiday dinners. It’s a great way to share the flavors of summer with loved ones and enjoy the fruits of the season.

This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or tangy, you can easily customize the ingredients to create the perfect relish for your family.

The canning process might seem daunting, but with practice, it becomes a fun and rewarding activity. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing rows of gleaming jars filled with your homemade relish.

It’s a great way to preserve the flavors of summer and share them with loved ones.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grandma’s Old Fashioned Green Tomato Relish

1. Can I use ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?

No, green tomatoes have a different flavor profile and texture that is essential for this relish. Using ripe tomatoes will result in a much different taste and consistency. Green tomatoes are tart and slightly crunchy, which adds a unique flavor and texture to the relish.

2. Can I make this relish without canning it?

Yes, you can make this relish and store it in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks. However, keep in mind that the shelf life will be much shorter than canned relish. If you plan to keep it for a longer period, canning is the best method to ensure food safety and longevity.

3. Can I adjust the spices in this recipe?

Absolutely, feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer a spicier relish, you can add more cayenne pepper. If you like it milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can also experiment with other spices like paprika or chili powder to create a unique flavor profile.

4. How do I know if my jars have sealed properly?

To check if your jars have sealed properly, press down on the center of the lid. If it pops up and down, the jar has not sealed and should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks. If the lid is concave and does not flex, the jar has sealed properly and can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

5. Can I use this relish as a gift?

Yes, this relish makes a wonderful gift. You can decorate the jars with ribbons, labels, or tags to make them more festive. Just be sure to include a note with the recipe or instructions on how to use the relish. This relish is a great way to share the flavors of summer with friends and family, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

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