30-Minute Pepper Onion Relish Recipe That Steals the Show

Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try this pepper onion relish! It’s my secret weapon for turning boring meals into something special. I first made it years ago when I needed to jazz up some sad leftover burgers, and now I can’t imagine my fridge without a jar of this stuff. The sweet onions and bright peppers get all caramelized and tangy – perfect for piling on sandwiches, burgers, or even just scooping onto crackers when the snack cravings hit. Best part? It takes just 30 minutes from chopping to jarring, and the flavor gets even better as it sits. Trust me, once you taste that sweet-and-savory magic, you’ll be putting it on everything!

Why You’ll Love This Pepper Onion Relish

Let me tell you why this relish is about to become your new kitchen staple:

• Quick & easy: Ready in 30 minutes flat – faster than waiting for pizza delivery!
• Flavor bomb: That perfect balance of sweet onions, tangy vinegar, and just a hint of pepper warmth
• Super versatile: I’ve used it on burgers, eggs, even spooned over cream cheese as a dip
• Customizable: Add jalapeños for heat or swap in balsamic vinegar for depth – it’s your flavor playground
• Makes leftovers shine: My secret for reviving yesterday’s chicken or steak sandwiches

Ingredients for Pepper Onion Relish

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavor-packed condiment – I swear by these simple, fresh ingredients:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced (I use yellow for sweetness, but red works great too)
• 2 bell peppers (any color!), thinly sliced – I love mixing red and yellow for color
• 2 tbsp olive oil for that perfect sauté
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – the tangy backbone of this relish
• 1 tbsp sugar to balance the acidity
• 1 tsp salt – don’t skimp, it brings out all the flavors
• ½ tsp black pepper for just a hint of warmth

See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that work magic together. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Pepper Onion Relish

Okay, let’s dive in! Making this relish is as easy as 1-2-3, and I’ll walk you through each step. Just wait until you smell those onions and peppers sizzling – your kitchen will smell incredible! Here’s exactly how I make it every time:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Get the pan ready: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a piece of onion sizzles immediately when dropped in – that’s the sweet spot!
2. Sauté the veggies: Add all your thinly sliced onions and peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened but still have some crunch. Don’t let them brown too much – we want that perfect tender-crisp texture.
3. Add the flavor makers: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. The vinegar will sizzle and steam – that’s normal and means the flavors are blending perfectly!
4. Simmer to perfection: Reduce heat to low and let it gently bubble for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. This is when the magic happens – the liquid reduces and everything gets gloriously jammy.
5. Cool it down: Take the pan off the heat and let it cool completely before transferring to a jar. I know it’s tempting to eat it hot, but trust me, the flavors develop even more as it cools!

That’s it! In less time than it takes to watch a sitcom, you’ll have a jar of homemade relish that puts store-bought versions to shame. Now comes the fun part – deciding what to put it on first!

Tips for the Best Pepper Onion Relish

After making this relish more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss tips for perfect results every time:

• Slice evenly: Take time to slice onions and peppers uniformly – it makes all the difference for even cooking.
• Taste as you go: Want more sweet? Add a pinch more sugar. Craving tang? Splash in extra vinegar.
• Let it rest: The flavors get better overnight – resist eating it all right away!
• Keep it clean: Always use a dry spoon when scooping from the jar to prevent spoilage.

Variations of Pepper Onion Relish

Oh, this is where the real fun begins! Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, feel free to play around. For some heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño with the peppers. Craving deeper flavor? Swap the apple cider vinegar for balsamic. It’s your relish – make it sing your tune!

Serving Suggestions for Pepper Onion Relish

Oh boy, let me tell you all the delicious ways I use this relish! It’s amazing piled high on juicy burgers (my mouth’s watering just thinking about it), melted into grilled cheese sandwiches, or tossed with leafy greens for a quick flavor boost. My personal favorite? A heaping spoonful right on top of a baked potato with sour cream – simple perfection!

Storing and Reheating Pepper Onion Relish

Here’s the scoop on keeping your relish fresh – I always use clean mason jars with tight lids. It’ll stay perfect in the fridge for up to a week (if it lasts that long!). No need to reheat – this stuff tastes amazing straight from the jar, cold or at room temp. Just grab a spoon and dig in!

Pepper Onion Relish Nutritional Information

Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates per 2-tbsp serving: 35 calories, 2g fat, 4g carbs, 1g fiber. Exact nutrition varies based on your specific ingredients and brands – but trust me, the flavor punch is always 100% worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the pepper onion relish? Absolutely! I freeze mine in small portions – perfect for pulling out just what you need. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before using.

How long does it keep in the fridge? In my experience, about a week in an airtight container. But honestly? Mine never lasts that long – I’m always finding new ways to use it up!

Can I use different types of vinegar? You bet! I’ve tried balsamic (so rich!), red wine vinegar, even rice vinegar for a milder tang. Each brings its own personality to the relish.

Is this relish spicy? Not at all in the basic version – but toss in some jalapeños if you want heat! My husband always adds a pinch of red pepper flakes to his batch.

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!

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