If you’ve been searching for a side dish that’s a little bit different, look no further than this tangy and sweet Pear Relish recipe. Originating from the American South, this relish brings together the sweet juiciness of pears with the punchy flavors of onions and peppers, beautifully balanced with a mix of spices. It’s not just the unique combination of flavors that make this dish so special, it’s the way it enhances everything around it, making it the perfect accompaniment to a summer BBQ or even just a standalone snack. I fell in love with Pear Relish the first time I tasted it. The sweetness of the pears perfectly balances the tanginess of the vinegar, creating a delightful burst of flavor. I also love how versatile this relish is; it can be slathered on a burger, scooped onto a cracker, or even mixed into a salad dressing. Plus, making it is a fun and rewarding process. From grounding the fruits to the satisfying pop of the jar lids, every step is a joy. In this post, I’ll share my tried-and-true Pear Relish recipe, including tips on selecting the right pears, the best way to grind them, and some secret ingredients that will take your relish to the next level. So, let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 16 pears, peeled, cored and ground
- 6 medium onions, ground
- 8 green peppers, ground
- 4 sweet red peppers, ground
- 2 hot peppers, ground
- 6 c. vinegar (5% acidity)
- 6 c. sugar
- 3 Tbsp. mustard seed
- 2 Tbsp. pickling salt
- 1 Tbsp. ground turmeric
- 1 tsp. ground allspice
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
Cooking Method
- Let pears, onions and peppers stand in separate containers for 1 hour. Pour boiling water over each; drain well.
- Combine pears, onion, peppers, vinegar, sugar and seasonings in a large kettle. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Pour hot mixture into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles and wipe jar rims.
- Cover at once with metal lids and screw on bands.
- Process in boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
- Let stay in a cool place for 1 month before using.
- Chill before serving.
- Makes 10 pints.
Calorie: 100
Total cooking time: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Medium
The Pear Relish Saga Begins
As a food blogger, I’ve made many a dish in my day, but let me tell you, nothing compares to the day I decided to tackle Pear Relish. I woke up that morning with a sense of purpose, and a rather unsettling craving for pears. The recipe called for a whopping 16 pears, and I thought to myself, “Who on earth needs 16 pears?” But who was I to question the Pear Relish Gods?
Onions and Peppers and Pears, Oh My!
Next on my epic shopping list were 6 medium onions, 8 green peppers, 4 sweet red peppers, and 2 hot peppers. Yes, you read that right. That’s a whole lot of ground produce. I can’t even begin to tell you the fun I had grinding all those veggies. My kitchen looked like a crime scene from a vegetable murder mystery. Onions crying everywhere, peppers trying to spice up the place, and the pears just sitting in the corner, minding their own business.
The Vinegar Incident
Let’s talk about vinegar. Specifically, 6 cups of it. Now, I love a good vinegar as much as the next person, but let me warn you – when the recipe says 5% acidity, they mean it. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally grabbed the 7% bottle and nearly pickled my nostrils.
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice
Now, onto the sweet and the spice. 6 cups of sugar, 3 tablespoons of mustard seed, 2 tablespoons of pickling salt, 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon each of ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. At this point, I felt like a mad scientist, throwing in a pinch of this and a dash of that. The turmeric, in particular, had a mind of its own, turning everything it touched a lovely shade of yellow.
The Boiling Point
Here’s where things really started to heat up. I combined the pears, onions, peppers, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings in a large kettle and brought it to a boil. The aroma that filled my kitchen was nothing short of magical. I reduced the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, giving me just enough time to sterilize my jars and contemplate my life choices.
The Jarring Experience
Pouring the hot mixture into the hot sterilized jars was an experience in itself. I felt like I was playing a game of ‘hot potato’, only with glass jars and boiling pear relish. I left a 1/4 inch headspace, removed air bubbles, wiped the jar rims, covered them with metal lids, and screwed on bands.
The Waiting Game
After a 20-minute boiling water bath, the jars were finally ready to rest. The recipe said to let them stay in a cool place for 1 month before using. I mean, who has that kind of patience? I found myself sneaking glances at the jars every now and then, like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
The Grand Finale
After a month of anticipation, the day finally arrived. I took a jar from the cool pantry, gave it a good chill before serving, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. The Pear Relish was a riot of flavors – sweet, tangy, spicy, and a whole lot of amazing.
And that, my friends, is the story of my Pear Relish saga. It was a journey filled with laughter, tears (mostly from the onions), and an unforgettable aroma that lingered in my kitchen for days. Remember, cooking is all about having fun. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and let the flavors guide you. Until next time, happy cooking!
