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This tomato relish brings the sweet-tangy heat. It’s the quick condiment that turns a plain sandwich into something you will crave. This recipe also makes for a wonderful gift!
about this Tomato Relish
Tomato relish is a versatile condiment that brightens everything from burgers to grain bowls. The balance of sweet, tangy, and a little spicy makes it a go-to topping for grilled meats, sandwiches, wraps, and even eggs.
As someone who absolutely loves sauces, this sweet and spicy tomato relish has become a staple in our fridge. You can use it in so many different ways, plus it’s insanely easy to make.
This easy homemade tomato relish doesn’t even require peeling the tomatoes. Simply chop, simmer in one pot, and it’s done. It’s a wonderful way to use up a extra tomatoes from the garden or take advantage of some fresh tomatoes from the farmers’ market.
Don’t forget to try to customize it! You can make it sweeter, spicier, or even add in some more spices to change the flavor profile.
It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift, especially when canned or jarred properly. If you’re into tomato relish canning, this recipe is a great starting point. It’s so simple and works perfectly for preserving your summer harvest in jars. With a batch yielding about 2 cups, it’s just enough to keep on hand or share with a fellow tomato lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s easy, versatile, and packed with flavor! Here’s why it’s about to become your new condiment obsession:
- Quick & simple: Just one pot, minimal chopping, and 30 to 45 minutes of simmering.
- Versatile: Use it on sandwiches, burgers, grain bowls, eggs, or cheese boards.
- Customizable: Crank up the heat, sweetness, or smokiness to your taste.
- Preservable: Can be canned or frozen so you get to enjoy your tomato bounty all year.
- Impressively fresh: No preservatives to worry about. You get just the bright, garden-fresh flavor.
ingredients
Tomatoes. No need to peel them. Just finely dice and toss them into the pan. A mix of tomato varieties can add depth to the final flavor. Not sure which tomato to use? Check out my All About Tomatoes section below for ideas.
Red onion. This type of onion yields the best flavor, but you could also use a mellower onion like yellow onion instead.
Jalapeño. A small amount of this pepper brings just the right amount of heat. If you don’t want it too spicy, remove the seeds or omit all together.
Red wine vinegar. This adds the tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness. It also helps preserve the relish a little longer in the fridge. You can also use apple cider vinegar.
Sugar. You only need granulated sugar for this recipe. Adjust to taste, if desired.
Spices. A combination of crushed red pepper flakes, ground cumin, kosher salt, ground paprika, and freshly cracked black pepper is needed for this recipe.
Did you know? There’s no need to peel the tomatoes! You can if you prefer, but I prefer the texture with the peels left on.
all about tomatoes
Tomatoes are the star of this recipe, so choosing the right ones makes all the difference. Here’s what I recommend:
- Heirlooms: Great for a complex, rich flavor. Use a mix of colors for a visually stunning relish.
- Romas or Plum Tomatoes: Low in water content, these are ideal for cooking the mixture down into a thick relish without too much liquid.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Add natural sweetness and pop of color. They provide extra depth.
- Fresh & ripe: Whatever variety you choose, make sure your tomatoes are ripe but firm. Overripe tomatoes can make the relish watery, under-ripe ones may lack sweetness.
Pro tip: Mixing tomato varieties gives a best balance of sweetness, acidity, and texture.
this recipe’s must-haves
A large heavy-bottomed saucepan or skillet to help the relish cook evenly without burning. Thin-bottomed pans tend to scorch quickly.
A sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board make prepping the vegetables fast and easy.
Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring.
Once the relish cools, transfer it to airtight mason jars or containers. These are ideal for storing in the fridge or freezer, making the relish easy to gift or keep on hand in the pantry.
here’s how to make this Tomato Relish
Combine
Add all the ingredients to a large saucepan or skillet, stirring to combine.
Stir
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring every couple of minutes.
Cook
Continue cooking, allowing the mixture to cook down and thicken. The mixture will reduce by about a quarter and will be much thicker when done. The consistency will resemble store-bought relish and be a much deeper red in color.
This will take about 30 to 45 minutes.
Cool
Remove from heat. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Enjoy
Transfer to a bowl to enjoy hot or at room temperature. Ensure the mixture is cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Use a mix of tomato varieties like heirlooms, romas, or cherry tomatoes for a more complex flavor.
- There’s no need to peel the tomatoes for this recipe. The skin breaks down as it cooks.
- Keep a close eye on the simmering process and stir frequently to prevent the bottom from scorching.
- Taste as you go. Depending on how sweet or acidic your tomatoes are, you may want to tweak the sugar or vinegar.
- You can also preserve this relish using the canning method. Check out trusted guides like this one from Serious Eats for step-by-step instructions.
- If freezing, ensure the relish cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
variations
- Add vegetables. You can add finely chopped bell peppers or roasted red peppers to the mix if you want to introduce a different layer of sweetness and a bit more texture.
- Make it spicy. If you’re looking to dial up the heat, try adding extra jalapeño or swapping it out for Fresno chiles, which bring a slightly milder but still noticeable kick.
- Add smokiness. For a subtle smoky edge, stir in a bit of smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder.
- Make it sweeter. If you prefer your relish on the sweeter side, simply increase the sugar slightly at the beginning or add a spoonful of honey at the end to round out the flavor.
More Sauce Recipes to Explore: Best Pizza Sauce I Pistachio Pesto I Basil Oil I Chili Garlic Oil
faqs
If you are looking for some more inspiration for some sides, check out everything on the side dishes page.
what to serve with Tomato Relish
Spoon it over grilled chicken, smoked pork loin, or BBQ burgers for a fresh, tangy topping that complements the smoky flavor of grilled meats.
Spread it on a chicken Caesar sandwich or any wrap for a sweet and spicy upgrade. It’s also a tasty addition to toast with cream cheese or goat cheese.
Serve it as part of a weeknight cheese board! The relish cuts through the richness of soft and hard cheeses.
Use a spoonful in salads or grain bowls for added depth and flavor. It works well as a topping for poached eggs or roasted potatoes.
more of our favorite tomato recipes
Flaky tomato puff pastry tarts are made with buttery pastry and a juicy tomato topping.
Quick cherry tomato confit is made of layers of tomato flavor that work together, giving you a rich, savory bite with just the right pop of acidity.
Our bright cucumber tomato salad is packed with crisp cucumber and juicy tomatoes, with a simple dressing to highlight the summery flavors.
Finally, if you make this tomato relish recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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Tomato Relish
equipment
ingredients
- 5 cups tomatoes finely diced (approx 1 1/2 lb tomatoes)
- 1/2 red onion finely diced
- 1/2 jalapeno seeded and finely diced
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large saucepan or skillet, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring every couple of minutes.
- Continue cooking, allowing the mixture to cook down and thicken. The mixture will reduce by about a quarter and will be much thicker when done. The consistency will look like store-bought relish and be a much deeper red in color. This will take about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
- Enjoy hot or cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
video
notes
- Cooking time varies (30–45 minutes) depending on the juiciness of the tomatoes and the desired thickness.
- Store refrigerated up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Can be canned safely following USDA or trusted home-canning guidelines.
- No peeling or seeding necessary, but optional for larger tomato varieties or a smoother texture.
- Adjust sweetness, acidity, and spice level to personal taste after cooking.
nutrition
about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
