Mustard relish is a vibrant, tangy condiment that brings a delightful punch to sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Whether you’re a fan of classic American flavors or looking to add a bit of zest to your meals, this homemade mustard relish recipe is a must-try.
It combines the sharpness of mustard seeds with the sweetness of finely chopped vegetables and a hint of vinegar, creating a perfect balance that elevates any dish.
Making your own mustard relish at home is not only easy but allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. You can control the sweetness, spice level, and texture, making it fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with a homemade touch that’s both versatile and delicious.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple yet flavorful mustard relish recipe, share some tips and variations, and suggest creative ways to serve it. Let’s dive in and get your kitchen smelling like a gourmet deli!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mustard relish recipe is a fantastic blend of tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors that complement a wide variety of dishes. Unlike commercial relishes, it’s made with fresh ingredients and natural spices, giving it a vibrant taste and crunchy texture.
One of the best parts? It’s incredibly easy to make.
With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. Plus, it stores well in the fridge for weeks, allowing you to enjoy it whenever you want.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. It’s perfect for adding a gourmet touch to everyday meals or for entertaining guests with a unique homemade condiment.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion – adds sweetness and crunch
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickles – for tang and texture
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard seeds – the star of the relish
- 1/4 cup sugar – balances the acidity
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar – adds a zesty kick
- 1/4 cup water – to adjust consistency
- 1 teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder – for color and subtle earthiness
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper – for mild heat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – optional, for richness
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl – to combine ingredients
- Small saucepan – for cooking the relish
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts
- Sharp knife – for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board – to prepare ingredients
- Glass jar or airtight container – for storing the finished relish
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop the yellow onion and dill pickles. Aim for small, even pieces to ensure a consistent texture in your relish.
- Toast the mustard seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the mustard seeds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. This step enhances their flavor dramatically.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the chopped onion, pickles, toasted mustard seeds, sugar, salt, turmeric, and black pepper.
- Heat the liquid: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, and olive oil (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the relish: Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
- Let it marinate: Allow the relish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve and enjoy: Your mustard relish is now ready to add zing to your favorite dishes!
Tips & Variations
“For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño to the mixture.”
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar amount based on your preference. Some like it sweeter, others prefer it more tangy.
Make it chunky or smooth: Chop the vegetables coarsely for a chunky relish or pulse them briefly in a food processor for a smoother texture.
Add fresh herbs: Fresh dill or parsley can brighten up the relish and add a lovely herbal note.
Swap the vinegar: White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used instead of apple cider vinegar for a different but equally delicious flavor.
Try different mustard seeds: Black or brown mustard seeds offer a more robust flavor compared to yellow seeds.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
---|---|
Calories | 40 |
Fat | 1g |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Sugar | 6g |
Fiber | 1g |
Protein | 1g |
Sodium | 220mg |
Serving Suggestions
This mustard relish is incredibly versatile and adds a burst of flavor wherever you use it.
- Sandwiches and burgers: Spread a generous spoonful on your favorite sandwich or burger for a tangy crunch.
- Grilled meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, pork, or sausages to cut through the richness.
- Cheese boards: Include it as a zesty accompaniment on a charcuterie or cheese platter.
- Salad dressing base: Mix with olive oil and a bit of honey for a quick, flavorful vinaigrette.
- Deviled eggs: Stir some into your egg yolk mixture for a tangy twist on classic deviled eggs.
Conclusion
Making mustard relish at home is a rewarding experience that brings a vibrant, homemade flavor to your kitchen. This recipe’s balance of tangy mustard seeds, sweet pickles, and zesty vinegar creates a versatile condiment that enhances countless dishes.
Plus, it’s simple to prepare and stores well for future use, making it a convenient staple.
Whether you’re looking to brighten up a sandwich, add complexity to a salad, or impress guests at your next barbecue, this mustard relish is sure to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations and find your perfect flavor combination.
Happy cooking!
For more delicious condiment recipes, check out our Homemade Ketchup Recipe, Classic BBQ Sauce Recipe, and Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe.
📖 Recipe Card: Mustard Relish Recipe
Description: A tangy and slightly sweet mustard relish perfect for sandwiches and burgers. Quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard seeds
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small dill pickle, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Soak mustard seeds in vinegar and water for 2 hours.
- Combine soaked seeds with sugar, mustard powder, salt, turmeric, and cloves in a saucepan.
- Add chopped onion and pickle to the mixture.
- Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 60 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Carbs: 10g
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