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    Home » Recipes » Dressing, Sauces, and Seasoning

    Spicy 'n Sweet Pepper Relish (No Canning)

    Published: Aug 10, 2022 · Modified: Aug 9, 2023 by seekinggoodeats · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Pinterest pin featuring a full image of sweet pepper relish in a glass jar with a spoon.

    Spicy 'n Sweet Pepper Relish is a tasty condiment that is amazing on pork, chicken, fish, and even burgers! No canning is required! This onion and pepper relish recipe is the perfect way to use up some of those vegetables in the garden!

    This relish is made with red bell peppers and onions, jalapeños, brown sugar, and vinegar. You can easily use a brown sugar substitute instead of regular sugar too! 🙂

    A clear glass jar filled with sweet pepper relish and a spoon in it ready for seving
    Jump to:
    • Watch How To Make Sweet Hot Pepper Relish
    • The Best Sweet Pepper Relish
    • Sweet Pepper Relish Ingredients
    • How To Make Pepper Relish
    • How To Use Pepper and Onion Relish
    • Top Tips
    • FAQs
    • ✔️ More Bell Pepper Recipes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Watch How To Make Sweet Hot Pepper Relish

    The Best Sweet Pepper Relish

    "If you've never tried a sweet pepper relish, you are in for a treat! The blend of peppers and onions (jalapeno, and sweet pepper) with brown sugar is ahh-mazing." 🙂 -Kori

    Simple to Make

    I think you'll find this pepper relish pretty simple to make. The hardest part is letting it reduce and thicken on low for 20 to 25 minutes while stirring occasionally.

    Delicious

    What do a chef in Wisconsin and a jar of Parisienne onion jelly have in common? Well, let me tell you! 😉

    I love this stuff! It's delicious and works on so many things. The inspiration for this recipe came from two places - my nephew Jake, a wonderful chef up in Wisconsin, serves this sauce on his peanut butter burgers - it's an AMAZING combination!

    The second place was from a jar of onion preserves I picked up in Paris while on a trip a few years ago. I served my onion jelly at a party over cream cheese with crackers, and everyone went nuts!

    While the French version was heavy on the onion, my nephew's recipe is more of a sweet jalapeno, pepper, and onion relish with a bit of kick (but not too spicy). Both recipes are similar, and I'm super excited to share this recipe with you!

    No Sugar Added Pepper Relish Recipe

    If a brown sugar substitute is used, this relish becomes gluten-free, low carb, and keto-friendly, with no added sugar. This relish adds a lot of flavors, and no one will know that this is healthy. 🙂

    While the full nutritional value is provided at the end of the recipe card, here are the most important if you're following a sugar-free low carb keto plan:

    0.1 g fat | 1.4 g net carbs | 0.3 g protein | 1 g sugar

    If you are interested in keto, be sure to get our FREE keto food list and shopping list!

    Sweet Pepper Relish Ingredients

    Ingredients needed to make sweet pepper relish

    Here are the ingredients you'll need to make spicy 'n sweet pepper relish:

    • Jalapeños - I used jalapeno hot peppers but you can take it even hotter with spicier peppers such as habanero. If you don't want spicy at all you can use green bell peppers.
    • Red Onion
    • Sweet Red Bell Pepper - you can use any color pepper, but red bell peppers tends to be sweeter than other colors. Orange or yellow bell peppers can be used (or a mix).
    • Garlic
    • Red Wine Vinegar - you can also use apple cider vinegar.
    • Brown Sweetener - Use a brown sugar substitute if making this sugar-free or regular brown sugar. Lately I have been using an allulose brown sugar alternative as it doesn't have a cold feel and won't crystallize once refrigerated as erythritol will.
    • Unflavored gelatin - to use as a thickener if using a brown sugar substitute.
    • Kosher Salt or Sea Salt
    • Black Pepper

    Equipment

    • Measuring spoons
    • Medium-sized nonstick saucepan
    • Whisk
    • Chef knife
    • Cutting Board
    • 1 Airtight jar - 1 pint or 2 half-pint jars (that way you can keep one and share the other with a friend!).

    Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later! 😉

    A black and white pinterest pin with a hinged lidded jar of spicy and sweet pepper relish with a spoon.

    Substituions and Variations

    There are several ways you can vary or make substitutions to this sweet pepper relish recipe:

    • Make it spicier with a little hot sauce or by adding more fresh jalapeno.
    • Substitute shallots, green onion, yellow, or sweet onion, for the red onion. Keep in mind that red onions are sweet, so if you substitute a different onion this may affect the overall sweetness of the recipe.
    • If you prefer a smoother relish use a food processor and puree it to your desired consistency.
    • You can use red peppers or green peppers - any color you have on hand. Red is sweeter than green, though.
    • You can use regular brown sugar if you aren't following a sugar free diet.
    • Using different kinds of vinegar will give you a variety of flavors.

    How To Make Pepper Relish

    Saute The Vegetables

    Add jalapenos, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic in a medium-sized nonstick saucepan. Saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they soften.

    Simmer The Relish

    Add vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and reduce heat.

    Continue to gently simmer, stirring frequently, until the liquid has reduced and the relish thickens, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

    Note: If using a brown sugar substitute, the mixture will thicken, but not as much as if you use regular brown sugar. Remove the relish from the heat after 25 minutes. Add 1 packet of unflavored gelatin and whisk or stir until it's well incorporated.

    Cool and Serve or Store For Later

    Allow relish to cool, then transfer to an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate until you are ready to use, up to 2 weeks.

    How To Use Pepper and Onion Relish

    • Serve over or alongside pork, fish, beef, lamb, or chicken. It doesn't matter if it's grilled, broiled, seared, or other - it all tastes good. One of my favorites - serve it on grilled chicken or these grilled pork steaks!
    • Use it as a condiment for burgers, hot dogs, and bratwurst. Hint: try my Peanut Butter Burger with Bacon
    • Spread it on grilled cheese sandwiches.
    • Serve over cream cheese for the most delicious sweet pepper relish and cream cheese dip!
    • Easy appetizer recipe: Make crostini by toasting thin slices of french or Italian bread. Spread cream cheese over the top then the relish. Garnish with chives or other favorite fresh herb.
    • Roast some vegetables and toss with a little of the relish. It will liquefy slightly when warm and will coat the veggies in the most delicious way.
    • Spread on a biscuit, roll, or some crackers.
    • Make a new kinda PB&J! Use this sweet pepper relish and peanut butter instead of regular jelly.

    Top Tips

    • I prefer using an allulose brown sugar alternative instead of monk fruit erythritol because erythritol will crystallize once chilled and can also give you a slight cooking effect in your mouth. Allulose does neither.
    • If you prefer a thicker relish use 1 whole packet of gelatin, if you want it less thick than use 1/2 packet. It does not change the flavor - only the thickness.
    • While simmering, make sure to watch the pot carefully and stir frequently so the relish does not burn.
    • Feel free to halve this recipe, or separate into smaller containers and give some to a friend!
    • Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
    • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
    • This recipe serves 16. If you don't need that many servings, feel free to half the recipe.

    FAQs

    How do you store homemade onion and pepper relish?

    This red pepper relish recipe is not canned; therefore it needs to be stored in an airtight jar or container with a tight lid for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!

    Is this relish recipe keto friendly?

    This spicy and sweet pepper relish recipe is keto-friendly if you use a brown sugar substitute. With a brown sugar substitute, this recipe has only 1.4 net carbs in total.

    What is pepper relish made of?

    The answer to this varies with each recipe, but most commonly pepper relish is made of a combination of sweet bell peppers and hot peppers along with a sweetener (sugar, brown sugar, sugar substitute), and vinegar (usually, apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, etc.)

    What is pepper relish good on?

    Use on grill or roasted meats, poultry, pork, and fish. It's the perfect condiment for burgers, grilled cheese, and hot dogs. Use it as a glaze on ham and pork. It also makes an easy appetizer with crostini, cream cheese, then topped with the relish.

    ✔️ More Bell Pepper Recipes

    Whether it be bell peppers or hot peppers - here are some more recipes you'll enjoy!

    • EASY Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole (Keto Low Carb)
    • Best Greek Salad Recipe (Keto Low Carb)
    • Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef
    • Lasagna Stuffed Peppers (Keto Stuffed Peppers)
    • Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers (Keto Stuffed Peppers)
    • Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe - use it in the taco stuffed pepper recipe above!
    • Creamy Crockpot Chicken Fajita Soup
    • Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

    Did you try one of my recipes and love it? Let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5-star rating and a comment 🙂

    Let's stay connected; please drop a comment or share photos of your creations with me and others on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest! Don't forget to tag #seekinggoodeats

    Recipe

    Square feature image with a glass jar of relish ready for serving. A jalepeno and red and white strip napkin sit surround the jar

    Spicy 'n Sweet Pepper Relish

    A tasty relish that's amazing on pork, chicken, fish, lamb, and beef. No canning required. It's the perfect relish to use up some of those vegetables in the garden. You can easily use a brown sugar substitute instead of regular to make it keto friendly and lower in sugar.
    5 from 10 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Author Kori
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Dressing, Sauces, and Seasoning
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16 servings (approximately 1 pint)
    Calories 10 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup jalapenos seeded and finely diced (approx. 2)
    • 1 cup red onion finely chopped (approx. 1 medium)
    • 1 cup red bell pepper finely chopped (approx. 1 large)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
    • ½ cup red wine vinegar
    • 1½ cups [brown sugar substitute] or regular brown sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin only needed if you're using a brown sugar substitute, see instructions below

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium-sized nonstick saucepan add jalapenos, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
    • Add vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and reduce heat. Continue to gently simmer, stirring frequently, until the liquid has reduced and the relish thickens, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
    • Note: if using a brown sugar substitute, remove the relish from the heat after 25 minutes. Add 1 packet of unflavored gelatin and gently whisk or stir until it's well incorporated.
    • If you like thick relish use 1 packet of unflavored gelatin, if you prefer it less thick use 1/2 packet.
    • Allow relish to cool then transfer to an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate until you are ready to use, up to 2 weeks.

    Video

    Notes

    • Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes can be found in our post. Check it out!
    • TOP TIP: When simmering, watch the pot closely and stir frequently to prevent burning.
    • SUBSTITUTIONS: Use regular brown sugar or a brown sugar substitute. Use any color bell pepper.
    • SERVING SUGGESTION: Serve over pork, fish, chicken, and beef. Delicious on burgers, hot dogs, and bratwurst too! Spread it over softened cream cheese for a cracker spread. Hint: try my Peanut Butter Burger with Bacon.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 10kcalCarbohydrates: 19.9gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSodium: 74.2mgFiber: 18.5gSugar: 0.5g

    © 2023 Seeking Good Eats™

    Try this Spicy 'n Sweet Pepper Relish recipe - you'll love it. It's sweet and tangy with some kick with jalapenos, onion, red bell pepper, brown sugar and vinegar. So many uses! It's the perfect condiment or topping for pork, chicken, fish, beef - even hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and brats. Make a simple dip and spread this over cream cheese. This healthy relish is low sugar (1 gram), low carb, keto, and gluten-free.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. cathy says

      July 11, 2021 at 5:30 pm

      Can you increase the onion and jalapeño pepper and leave out the bell pepper as my husband is allergic to Bill peppers

      Reply
      • Kori says

        July 27, 2021 at 11:37 am

        Hello, yes absolutely! I hope you enjoy this recipe 🙂

        Reply
    2. Helen says

      July 11, 2021 at 6:04 pm

      Can this be canned? If so, do you water bath or pressure can?

      Reply
      • Kori says

        July 27, 2021 at 11:42 am

        Hello! To be honest I've only ever canned pickles and sweet jelly, both being water bath. I have seen similar recipes in a few of my canning cookbooks (also using the water bath method) but I'd be afraid to make specific recommendations on how to can this recipe since I didn't actually do it myself. You have inspired me though! I am going to try and can this at my next opportunity! 🙂

        Reply
        • Jill says

          August 06, 2022 at 10:52 am

          Did you can this with success?

          Reply
          • Kori says

            August 10, 2022 at 10:48 am

            I have not canned this recipe before, but it is definitely on my list to try it this year! I would love to give it a longer shelf life so I can make more and use all year 🙂

            Reply
    3. Mel says

      August 27, 2021 at 11:50 pm

      The ingredients say salt and pepper but nowhere in the recipe does it say to add.

      Reply
      • Kori says

        August 10, 2022 at 11:08 am

        You would add in when you add the vinegar. Thanks so much! Enjoy

        Reply
    4. Gretchen says

      August 02, 2022 at 7:04 pm

      Do I need to use gelatin if I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar?

      Reply
      • Kori says

        August 10, 2022 at 11:02 am

        I have not used coconut sugar for cooking so I hesitate to give any solid instructions. This relish is mainly thicken by reducing the liquid but when using alternative sugars things can be a bit finicky. I would proceed with the gelatin as it is my understanding that coconut sugar can burn easily so I would be concerned about reducing it as much as you can with brown sugar. Another concern is texture. When I used monk fruit/erythritol blend it has a tendency to burn easily AND crystallize after it cools. I am not sure if coconut sugar would do this or not. Hope that makes sense! Let me know how it turns out! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Lee says

      August 08, 2023 at 9:12 pm

      Kori - I made this and everyone who tastes it Loves it! I’m kind of a throw what you have in there kinda cook - so I used small Red sweet peppers and substituted 1/2 cup of maple syrup in place of Brown sugar. I’ve made 6 batches so far and have nene in my fridge as everyone wants to take it home! Thanks, L

      Reply
      • seekinggoodeats says

        August 09, 2023 at 2:10 pm

        Awww. Best compliment EVER. It sounds like your fridge has all the goodies. I'm so glad you love this relish!! 🙂 I love your idea with the maple syrup. I will definitely try that one!

        Reply
    6. Lee says

      August 08, 2023 at 9:27 pm

      Oh ~ and I also replaced 1/2 of the Jalepano w/ fire roasted Pablano peppers for smoky flavor. Lee

      Reply
      • seekinggoodeats says

        August 09, 2023 at 2:10 pm

        The smoky flavor would be fabulous I think! Another great tip, thank you

        Reply
    7. Cathy says

      August 09, 2023 at 11:33 am

      I'm finding I need to cook much longer to get it thickened. is there something I could do differently. I don't want to add gelatin

      Reply
      • seekinggoodeats says

        August 09, 2023 at 1:59 pm

        Hmmm. Are you making this sugar free or regular brown sugar? If it's the sugar free version it will be runnier which is where I suggest gelatin. I know that it will also thicken more once it's cooled and then refrigerated. There are a couple of things you could try. To speed of the evaporation of liquid - switch to a larger pan or a higher sided skillet so the sauce has more air surface to evaporate when it's simmering. Caution: don't simmer too long or you run the risk of it burning. If you don't want to use gelatin I would try a little cornstarch mixed in with cold water or if you have any xanthan gum, you could mix a very tiny amount (like 1/8 teaspoon) in with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and add it to the relish. I have not used cornstarch or xanthan gum so I'm not sure if it will change the texture or make it cloudy or not.

        Reply

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    Hello! I'm Kori and I am a food LOVER. I've had a lifelong passion for cooking and eating (of course)! At some point that catches up with you, right? Older and wiser, I now watch what I eat more closely. What's the hardest and most frustrating part? Finding recipes that are healthy, easy to make, AND taste great.

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