This sweet and tangy Tomato Relish combines a few fresh, flavorful ingredients into an easy, versatile condiment. It’s an excellent topping for burgers, scrambled eggs, tacos, and more.
If your kitchen is overflowing with tomatoes, this relish is a great way to preserve their flavor without traditional canning. Unlike tomato soup or pesto, this relish is thick and chunky like chutney with a bright balance of sweet and tangy notes. It keeps well in the refrigerator or freezer, so make a double batch — it pairs with almost everything.
The recipe is simple and requires no special equipment. Tomatoes, onions, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and Hungarian paprika are gently simmered until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld. Use this relish on sandwiches, toast, cheese boards, lamb or beef burgers, grilled fish, and more.
Recipe features
- Highlights fresh tomatoes for a bright, homemade flavor.
- No special equipment or lengthy canning required—just chop, simmer, and store.
- A versatile substitute for salsa or ketchup that enhances many dishes.
Ingredient notes:
Tomatoes – Choose meaty, lower-moisture varieties for a thicker, spreadable relish. Roma, beefsteak, or cherry tomatoes all work. Select firm, blemish-free tomatoes with a fresh aroma.
Onion and garlic – These aromatics build depth. Use yellow, white, or red onion, or a mix, depending on your preference.
Sugar – Balances the vinegar and acidity from the tomatoes. Granulated sugar works fine; brown sugar will add a caramel note.
White vinegar – Adds tang and helps the relish keep longer in the fridge or freezer.
Hungarian paprika – Prefer Hungarian paprika (sweet or mild) for its pure red-pepper flavor. If you like heat, choose a spicier Hungarian variety or add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Sauté the onion and garlic. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the tomatoes. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.
Step 3: Season and simmer. Stir in the sugar, vinegar, and paprika. Reduce the heat and simmer for roughly 10 minutes, or until the relish reaches your desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cool and store. Remove the pot from the heat and let the relish cool completely. Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips and FAQs
- Peel or leave the tomato skins on. Unpeeled tomatoes yield a chunkier relish; peeled tomatoes give a smoother, saucier finish.
- If the relish seems too thin, simmer a few minutes longer until it reduces to your preferred consistency.
- Do not attempt to can this relish using water-bath canning: the recipe doesn’t have the acidity needed for safe shelf-stable preservation. Store in the fridge or freezer instead.
Is this tomato relish spicy?
Paprika provides mild warmth and peppery flavor. Use a sweet Hungarian paprika for mild, bright notes. For more heat, use a hotter Hungarian variety (erős) or add cayenne or red pepper flakes to taste.
What do you use tomato relish for?
A spoonful of tomato relish adds sweet-tangy complexity to many dishes. It’s an all-purpose condiment that replaces or complements ketchup and salsa. Try it as:
- Dipping sauce – For fried or baked fish, fish sticks, or chicken nuggets.
- Burger and hot dog topping – A flavorful alternative to plain ketchup, especially good on lamb or beef burgers.
- Meatloaf glaze – Brush on meatloaf as a sweet-savory glaze.
- Grilled cheese addition – Spread inside grilled cheese sandwiches for a tangy contrast.
- Mexican-inspired meals – Use instead of salsa on tacos, quesadillas, or nachos.
- Breakfast – Add a dollop to scrambled eggs or serve alongside breakfast sandwiches and quesadillas.
Storage
Refrigerator: Keep the relish in an airtight jar for 6–7 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the relish in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
More homemade condiments
- Zhoug Sauce
- Thai Peanut Sauce
- Healthy Alfredo Sauce
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Tomato Relish
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. tomatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Hungarian paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes, then stir in the sugar, vinegar, and paprika. Simmer the relish for 10 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat, let cool, and transfer to a jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
*Use peeled or unpeeled tomatoes. Unpeeled gives a chunkier relish; peeled yields a smoother texture.
*If you don’t have Hungarian paprika, a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes can add heat.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Protein: 1g
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