Classic Canadian Hot Dog Relish

Name: Classic Canadian Hot Dog Relish
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10 cups
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 4 cups cucumbers (finely chopped); 2 cups onions (finely chopped); 2 cups red bell peppers (finely chopped); 1/4 cup salt; 2 cups white vinegar; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon celery seeds; 1 teaspoon turmeric

45 min 10 cups Easy

All Recipes

Tangy and sweet, this hot dog relish is the perfect topping for your summer BBQs.

Prep

30 min

Cook

15 min

Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Hot dog relish is a quintessential condiment that adds a burst of tangy sweetness to any grilled meat, especially the beloved hot dog. This Canadian version combines fresh cucumbers, onions, and peppers with a sweet and tangy brine, creating a perfect harmony of flavours. Whether you're planning a summer barbecue or looking to spice up a simple lunch, this relish is versatile and easy to make. It captures the essence of a classic hot dog stand topping but with a homemade twist that elevates the experience for any foodie.

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables

Finely chop the cucumbers, onions, and red bell peppers. Combine them in a large bowl.

Pro tip: Use a food processor for quicker and more consistent chopping.

Salt the vegetables

Sprinkle the salt over the chopped vegetables, mix well, and let sit for 1 hour to draw out excess moisture.

Pro tip: Place a plate on top and weigh it down to help extract moisture.

Rinse and drain

Rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt. Drain well using a colander.

Pro tip: Squeeze the vegetables gently to remove excess water.

Prepare the brine

In a large pot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Pro tip: Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Combine and cook

Add the drained vegetables to the pot. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro tip: Ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the brine.

Jar the relish

Ladle the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Seal with lids and let cool.

Pro tip: For longer preservation, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

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Tips & Tricks

Always use fresh cucumbers and onions for the best flavour.
Adjust the sugar to your taste for a sweeter or more tangy relish.
Ensure jars are sterilized to preserve the relish longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hot dog relish made of?

Hot dog relish is made of finely chopped cucumbers, onions, and red bell peppers combined with a sweet and tangy brine of vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric.

How do you store hot dog relish?

Store hot dog relish in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. For longer storage, process the jars in a hot water bath.

How long does hot dog relish last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, hot dog relish can last up to 4 weeks. If canned, it can last up to a year in a cool, dark place.

Can I make hot dog relish less sweet?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to make the relish less sweet, according to your taste preferences.

Is hot dog relish the same as pickle relish?

No, hot dog relish typically includes a mix of cucumbers, onions, and peppers with a sweeter brine, whereas pickle relish is primarily made from pickled cucumbers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this relish alongside your favourite hot dogs or burgers to add a tangy kick. It pairs wonderfully with mustard and ketchup, balancing the savoury and sweet elements perfectly. You can make this relish ahead of time and store it in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. For long-term storage, consider canning the relish using a hot water bath method.

Nutrition per serving

Calories

Protein

Fat

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