If you love adding a tangy, flavorful kick to your sandwiches, hot dogs, or salads, then dill relish is a must-have condiment in your kitchen. Making dill relish at home is easier than you might think, and it allows you to customize the flavors exactly to your liking. Plus, homemade dill relish tastes fresher and more vibrant than store-bought versions. Ready to learn how to make dill relish? Let’s dive into a straightforward, step-by-step recipe that anyone can follow!
What Is Dill Relish?
Dill relish is a type of pickled condiment made primarily from cucumbers and flavored with dill seeds or fresh dill weed. It’s chopped finely and often includes onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices like mustard seed and turmeric. The result is a sweet, tangy, and aromatic relish that complements many dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a classic ingredient list for making about 7 pints of dill relish:
– 8 pounds pickling cucumbers (you can use big or small)
– 1/2 cup non-iodized salt
– 2 teaspoons turmeric
– 2 medium onions, finely diced
– 1/3 cup organic sugar
– 2 tablespoons dill seed
– 1 tablespoon mustard seed
– 4 bay leaves
– 4 cups white vinegar
You can adjust the sweetness or spices to your taste, and even try honey as a sweetener if you want to experiment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, or leave some peel on for texture and color. Then finely chop the cucumbers — a food processor works well here, but be careful not to puree them. The goal is small, crisp pieces.
2. Soak the Cucumbers
Place the chopped cucumbers in a large bowl and mix in the salt and turmeric. Pour enough water over the cucumbers to cover them completely. Let them soak for 2 to 3 hours. This step helps draw out excess moisture and adds flavor.
3. Rinse and Drain
After soaking, drain the cucumbers and rinse them under cool water to remove excess salt. Use a fine-mesh sieve or colander to drain well.
4. Cook the Relish Mixture
Transfer the drained cucumbers to a large stockpot. Add the diced onions, sugar, dill seed, mustard seed, bay leaves, and white vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Taste and Adjust
At this point, taste the relish. If the vinegar is too strong, add a little more sugar to balance the flavors. Remove the bay leaves before proceeding.
6. Jar and Preserve
Ladle the hot relish into sterilized pint jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal with lids and rims. Process the jars in a hot water bath canner for 15 minutes to ensure safe preservation. If you live at a higher altitude, add one minute of processing time for every 1,000 feet above sea level.
7. Store and Enjoy
Let the jars cool and store them in a cool, dark place. The flavors will meld and mellow over time, so it’s best to wait at least a week before enjoying your homemade dill relish. Once opened, keep the relish refrigerated.
Tips for Perfect Dill Relish
– Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar, vinegar, or spices to suit your taste buds.
– Fresh vs. Canned: You can skip canning and simply refrigerate the relish for fresh use. The vinegar will mellow as it sits.
– Freezing Option: If you prefer, freeze the relish in freezer-safe containers after cooking. Note that freezing might affect the cucumber’s crispness.
– Add Veggies: Some recipes include diced bell peppers or garlic for extra flavor and texture.
– Use Pickling Cucumbers: These cucumbers are ideal because they stay crisp and absorb flavors well.
Why Make Your Own Dill Relish?
Making dill relish at home means no preservatives, no artificial flavors, and the ability to control sweetness and acidity. It’s also a fun way to preserve the bounty if you grow your own cucumbers or buy fresh from a farmer’s market. Plus, homemade relish makes a wonderful gift for friends and family!
Enjoy your homemade dill relish on burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, or even mixed into deviled eggs. It’s a versatile condiment that brightens up many dishes with its fresh, tangy flavor.
Making dill relish is a rewarding kitchen project that adds a delicious homemade touch to your meals. Give it a try, and you might never go back to store-bought again!
Your taste buds will thank you!