OLD-FASHIONED HAMBURGER RELISH

Old-Fashioned Hamburger Relish image

Provided by sheriboren

Categories Peppers

Time P2DT2h

Yield 4 1/2 Pint Jars

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 2 cups)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1 medium red peppers or 1 medium yellow pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 tablespoon pickling salt or 1 tablespoon non-iodized salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
3 cups cold water
1 cinnamon stick
12 whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
2 cups cider vinegar
4 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 2 cups)
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons mustard seeds

Steps:

In a large enamel or stainless steel bowl, mix the cucumbers, onion, peppers, celery, salt, turmeric and water.
Let stand for 12 hours or overnight, then drain in a strainer, lightly pressing out any excess liquid. Set aside.
Tie up cinnamon, cloves and allspice in a piece of cheesecloth.
In a large, heavy, enamel or stainless steel saucepan, bring the spices and vinegar to a boil over moderate heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered until the tomatoes resemble a puree- about 30 minutes.
Add the sugar and mustard seeds, cover and let stand overnight at room temperature.
Add the drained vegetables to the tomato mixture and bring to a boil over moderately high heat.
Then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated- 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove the spice bag.
Ladle into 4 hot, sterilized 1/2 pint preserving jars leaving 1/2 inch of head space.
Wipe the jar rims clean, seal and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Label, then let the relish mellow in a cool dry place for at least 3 weeks before using.
Refrigerate after opening.
Please Note: Takes 2 days prep time (approx) and 1 hour and 25 minutes cooking time to make.