Victorian Tomato Relish
Capture the timeless charm of classic preserves with this Victorian Tomato Relish, a sweet and tangy condiment that’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. Made with ripe, juicy tomatoes, aromatic brown onions, and a blend of warm spices like ground cloves, allspice, and ginger, this relish strikes the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Simmered slowly in white vinegar and sugar, the mixture develops a rich depth of flavor and a luscious, jam-like consistency. This traditional recipe includes a cornflour slurry to achieve its signature thickness, making it ideal as a topping for burgers, a complement to cheese boards, or a zesty accompaniment to roasted meats. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this homemade relish is a pantry staple worth savoring. Perfect for canning, it also makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family during the holidays.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg ripe tomatoes
- 500 g brown onions
- 500 ml white vinegar
- 300 g white sugar
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Wash the tomatoes and cut a small 'X' on the bottom of each using a sharp knife. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to ice water. Peel off the skins, roughly dice the tomatoes, and set aside.
Peel and finely chop the onions. Combine the chopped onions, peeled tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and salt in a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has thickened. Stir frequently during the last 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
Once the mixture has thickened, stir in the ground cloves, allspice, and ginger. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the pot, stirring constantly to thicken the relish. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and let the relish cool slightly. Carefully ladle the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving about 1 cm of headspace. Seal the jars tightly and allow them to cool to room temperature.
Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least 1 week before using to allow the flavors to develop. Refrigerate after opening.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1800 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.0 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 14278 mg | 621% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 424.0 g | 154% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.1 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 360.5 g | ||
| Protein | 19.4 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 330 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 4709 mg | 100% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
