Sweet Dill Relish (or Savethe-Pickle Relish)

This recipe provides a solution for improving a less-than-stellar ferment by transforming lacto-fermented dill pickles into a delicious sweet pickle relish. Whether you have flat pickles or perfect ones, this relish is a great way to utilize them. The relish incorporates chopped pickles, onion, raw cane sugar, mustard seeds, ground turmeric, and raw apple cider vinegar for a tangy and sweet flavor profile. After combining the ingredients, the mixture is left to ripen and ferment for a day before being refrigerated to allow the flavors to enhance. The result is a delightful relish that can be used to enhance various dishes or enjoyed on its own.

Yield: About 2 quarts
(fermentation vessel: 2 quarts)

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 pounds lacto-fermented dill pickles, chopped in a food processor
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons raw cane sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2–3 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped lacto-fermented dill pickles, finely chopped onion, raw cane sugar, mustard seeds, ground turmeric, and raw apple cider vinegar.
2. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar or vinegar, according to your preference. The relish should have a pleasing balance of flavors.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart jar, ensuring that the vegetables are fully submerged in the liquid.
4. Loosely cover the jar with the lid and set it aside for 1 day to allow the flavors to ripen and the onions to ferment.
5. After 1 day, screw the lid tightly onto the jar and place it in the refrigerator.
6. Allow the relish to sit in the refrigerator for a few days to allow the flavors to enhance.
7. The sweet pickle relish is now ready to be used in various dishes or enjoyed as a condiment.
8. This sweet pickle relish is a versatile and flavorful addition to sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, salads, and more. Its tangy and slightly sweet taste adds a delightful twist to any dish.
9. Enjoy the convenience of using lacto-fermented dill pickles to create a homemade relish that is sure to impress your taste buds and elevate your meals.

TIPS:

• Use high-quality lacto-fermented dill pickles for the best flavor and texture in your sweet pickle relish.
• Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the relish to your preference by adding more sugar or vinegar as needed.
• Allow the relish to sit in the refrigerator for a few days before using it to allow the flavors to develop and enhance.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor of your relish. You can add ingredients like celery seeds, diced bell peppers, or hot peppers for a spicy kick.
• Store the sweet pickle relish in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and maintain its flavors. It can typically be stored for several weeks.
• Serve the relish as a condiment for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or salads. It can also be used as an ingredient in recipes like potato salad, deviled eggs, or tuna salad for an extra burst of flavor.
• Consider making a larger batch of sweet pickle relish and sharing it with friends and family. It makes a great homemade gift and can be enjoyed by everyone.