Homemade Tomato Relish: Your Ultimate Sweet, Tangy, and Spicy Condiment Guide

This homemade tomato relish is a vibrant, flavorful condiment that effortlessly elevates any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a gentle kick of spice, it’s a versatile topping you’ll find yourself craving. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but a batch also makes for a thoughtful and much-appreciated gift!

About this Homemade Tomato Relish

There’s nothing quite like a homemade condiment to elevate your everyday meals, and this sweet and spicy tomato relish is no exception. It’s a culinary gem that seamlessly blends the vibrant freshness of ripe tomatoes with a perfect symphony of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes. This versatile relish is designed to brighten up almost anything you pair it with, transforming a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience or adding an exciting dimension to grilled meats, grain bowls, and even breakfast eggs.

As a passionate lover of sauces and spreads, I can confidently say this easy tomato relish has earned its permanent spot in my fridge. Its incredible versatility means you can spoon it onto a burger, dollop it alongside a cheese board, or even mix it into a salad for an instant flavor boost. The best part? It’s remarkably simple to prepare. Forget complicated peeling or extensive prep work; this recipe focuses on minimal chopping and a single-pot simmer, making it a fantastic way to utilize an abundance of garden tomatoes or fresh finds from your local farmers’ market.

One of the many charms of this homemade tomato relish is how easily it can be customized. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking, dial up the heat for an extra kick, or experiment with different spices to create a flavor profile that’s uniquely yours. Its robust flavor and appealing texture make it a wonderful staple for both casual dining and special occasions.

Beyond personal enjoyment, this relish also makes a truly thoughtful and impressive homemade gift. When properly canned or jarred, it’s a beautiful way to share your summer harvest with friends and family. If you’re new to canning, this easy tomato relish recipe serves as an excellent starting point, yielding approximately 2 cups – the perfect amount to keep on hand or present as a delightful culinary present to fellow food enthusiasts.

Essential Ingredients for Tomato Relish

Crafting the perfect tomato relish starts with high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy flavor profile.

• Tomatoes: The undeniable star of the show. For this recipe, there’s absolutely no need to peel them, which saves a significant amount of time and effort. Simply finely dice your chosen tomatoes and add them directly to the pan. Using a mix of tomato varieties can introduce wonderful depth and complexity to the final flavor. If you’re unsure which types to select, refer to my “Choosing the Perfect Tomatoes” section below for detailed recommendations.
• Red Onion: Red onions are my preferred choice for this relish due to their slightly milder, sweeter flavor profile that softens beautifully as it cooks. They add a lovely color and a subtle pungent note that complements the tomatoes. However, if red onions aren’t available or you prefer an even mellower taste, a finely diced yellow or sweet onion can be used as an alternative.
• Jalapeño: A small amount of finely diced jalapeño is essential for that perfect touch of heat without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer a milder relish, simply remove the seeds and membranes before dicing, as this is where most of the pepper’s heat resides. For an even gentler relish, you can omit the jalapeño entirely. For those who love a bigger kick, feel free to add more or leave the seeds in!
• Red Wine Vinegar: This ingredient is vital for providing the characteristic tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the tomatoes and sugar. Red wine vinegar also plays a crucial role in preserving the relish, extending its shelf life in the refrigerator. If red wine vinegar isn’t on hand, apple cider vinegar makes an excellent substitute, offering a slightly fruitier tang.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is all you need for this recipe to achieve the desired sweetness. It balances the acidity from the tomatoes and vinegar, creating that signature sweet-tangy dynamic. Always taste your relish towards the end of cooking and adjust the sugar quantity to match your personal preference and the natural sweetness of your tomatoes.
• Spices: A thoughtfully curated blend of spices adds warmth, depth, and a subtle complexity to the relish. This recipe calls for crushed red pepper flakes (for an extra hint of heat and visual appeal), ground cumin (for earthy undertones), kosher salt (essential for enhancing all flavors), ground paprika (for a sweet, mild pepper note and rich color), and freshly cracked black pepper (for a fresh, aromatic finish). These spices work in harmony to create a truly delicious relish.

Choosing the Perfect Tomatoes

Since tomatoes are the foundational ingredient, selecting the right ones is paramount to achieving the best flavor and consistency in your relish. Here’s a guide to help you choose wisely:

• Heirloom Tomatoes: For a relish with complex, rich, and nuanced flavor, heirloom tomatoes are an excellent choice. Their varied colors can also result in a visually stunning relish. Be aware that heirlooms can be juicier, so the cooking time might be slightly longer to achieve the desired thickness.
• Romas or Plum Tomatoes: These varieties are often considered ideal for cooking and making sauces or relishes due to their lower water content and meaty texture. Their firm flesh helps the relish cook down into a thick consistency without releasing excessive liquid, making them perfect for this recipe.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Don’t underestimate these small but mighty tomatoes! They bring a burst of natural sweetness and a delightful pop of color. Including them in your mix can add an extra layer of sweetness and a pleasant textural depth to your relish.
• Fresh & Ripe: Regardless of the variety you choose, always prioritize fresh, ripe, and firm tomatoes. Overripe tomatoes can make your relish watery and less vibrant, while under-ripe ones may lack the essential sweetness and full tomato flavor. Look for tomatoes that are heavy for their size, have a vibrant color, and smell fragrant.

Pro tip: The secret to a truly outstanding tomato relish often lies in blending different tomato varieties. This approach ensures a balanced profile of sweetness, acidity, and texture, resulting in a more dynamic and flavorful condiment.

Recipe Equipment Must-Haves

Having the right tools on hand can make the process of crafting your homemade tomato relish even smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential pieces of equipment that will set you up for success:

• Large Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan or Skillet: This is arguably the most crucial piece of equipment. A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly, which is essential for simmering the relish slowly and preventing it from scorching or sticking to the bottom. Thin-bottomed pans tend to create hot spots, leading to uneven cooking and potential burning. A large size ensures there’s enough surface area for the liquid to evaporate, allowing the relish to thicken effectively.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife and Sturdy Cutting Board: Precision dicing is key for a well-textured relish, and a sharp chef’s knife will make quick and safe work of preparing your tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping, ensuring safety and efficiency in your prep work.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These tools are perfect for stirring the relish as it simmers. They are gentle on the bottom of your saucepan, preventing scratches, and are effective at scraping down the sides to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. A silicone spatula is particularly useful for its flexibility.
• Airtight Mason Jars or Containers: Once your delicious tomato relish has cooled, you’ll need suitable containers for storage. Mason jars are ideal not only for their airtight seal, which keeps the relish fresh in the fridge or freezer, but also for their aesthetic appeal if you plan to gift your homemade creation. Always ensure jars are clean and sterilized, especially if you intend to can the relish for long-term storage.

How to Make This Easy Tomato Relish

Making this homemade tomato relish is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps to create your new favorite condiment:

1. Combine Ingredients

Begin by adding all of your finely diced ingredients – the fresh tomatoes, red onion, seeded jalapeño, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, ground cumin, kosher salt, ground paprika, and freshly cracked black pepper – into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or skillet. Give everything a thorough stir to ensure all the components are well combined and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the tomato mixture. This initial mix sets the stage for the flavors to meld beautifully as they cook.

2. Simmer and Stir

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Gradually bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring you stir it every couple of minutes. This frequent stirring is crucial to prevent the relish from sticking to the bottom of the pan and scorching, especially as the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture heats up. A gentle boil means you’ll see small, consistent bubbles across the surface, indicating steady heat without aggressive bubbling that can lead to splattering.

3. Cook Until Thickened

Once simmering, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a consistent gentle boil and continue cooking. This is the stage where the magic happens! Allow the mixture to cook down slowly, stirring regularly, until it significantly thickens and reduces. You’ll notice the volume decreasing by about a quarter, and the consistency will become much denser, resembling a store-bought relish. The color will also deepen into a rich, inviting red as the flavors concentrate. This process typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but the exact time will depend on the juiciness of your tomatoes and your desired thickness.

4. Cool and Season

Once the relish has reached your desired thickness and consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now is the perfect time to taste your homemade creation. The flavors will have developed beautifully, but you can adjust them further if needed. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, or even a tiny splash more of vinegar or a pinch of sugar if you feel it needs a slight adjustment to its sweet, tangy, or spicy balance. Letting it cool slightly also allows the flavors to settle and deepen even further.

5. Serve and Store

Your fresh tomato relish is now ready to enjoy! You can transfer it to a serving bowl and savor it hot or at room temperature. For storage, it’s absolutely essential that the relish cools completely before you transfer it to an airtight container, such as mason jars. Once cooled, store it in the refrigerator. Proper cooling and storage ensure maximum freshness and extend its shelf life, allowing you to enjoy your delicious homemade condiment for longer.

Tips for a Perfect Tomato Relish

Achieving a consistently delicious homemade tomato relish is simple with a few key pointers:

• Embrace Variety in Tomatoes: As mentioned, don’t shy away from mixing different tomato types. Combining heirlooms for their depth, romas for their fleshiness, and cherry tomatoes for their sweetness will create a more complex and flavorful relish that stands out.
• No Peeling Necessary: For this specific recipe, the skins of the tomatoes are fine to leave on. They break down considerably during the cooking process and contribute to a rustic, chunky texture that I find appealing. It’s a fantastic time-saver!
• Monitor and Stir Frequently: The simmering stage is crucial. Keep a close eye on the relish and stir it regularly, every few minutes, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and scorching. This also ensures even cooking and thickening.
• Taste and Adjust as You Go: Tomatoes vary in sweetness and acidity. Always taste the relish towards the end of the cooking process. You might find it benefits from a little more sugar to enhance sweetness, or a touch more vinegar to boost the tang. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• Proper Canning for Long-Term Storage: If you’re looking to preserve your tomato relish beyond a couple of weeks in the fridge, consider canning it. Always follow reputable, up-to-date USDA or trusted home-canning guidelines to ensure safety and quality. Resources like this guide from Serious Eats offer excellent step-by-step instructions for safe home canning.
• Freezing for Convenience: For an easier long-term storage option, allow the relish to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Delicious Variations to Try

This tomato relish recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to experiment and tailor it to your taste preferences. Here are some exciting variations to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Introduce More Vegetables: For added complexity, texture, and nutritional value, consider incorporating other finely chopped vegetables. Sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) can introduce another layer of sweetness, while roasted red peppers add a smoky depth. Even finely diced zucchini or cucumber can add a fresh crunch if added towards the end of cooking to maintain some bite.
• Amplify the Spice Level: If you’re a heat enthusiast, there are several ways to dial up the spice. Simply add an extra jalapeño, or for a different kind of heat, swap the jalapeño for Fresno chiles, which offer a slightly fruitier, more vibrant kick. For intense heat, a small amount of habanero or scotch bonnet pepper (used sparingly and with caution!) can transform the relish into a fiery delight. You can also increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Infuse Smokiness: To add a delicious smoky dimension to your relish, stir in a bit of smoked paprika, which offers a deep, earthy flavor. A pinch of chipotle powder will not only add smokiness but also a subtle, rich heat. For a more pronounced smoky flavor, a tiny dash of liquid smoke can be incorporated, but use it very sparingly as it is potent.
• Adjust Sweetness: The beauty of homemade relish is that you control the sugar. If you prefer a sweeter relish, simply increase the granulated sugar slightly at the beginning of the cooking process. For a more nuanced sweetness, you could try adding a spoonful of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar towards the end of cooking to round out the flavors and add a hint of caramelization. Conversely, if your tomatoes are exceptionally sweet, you might reduce the sugar for a more savory relish.
• Herbaceous Additions: Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley, finely chopped and stirred in at the very end of cooking (or even after cooling), can add a beautiful aromatic lift and freshness to the relish.
• Garlic and Ginger Boost: For an extra layer of pungent flavor, sauté a clove or two of minced garlic or a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger with the onions at the very beginning, before adding the tomatoes. This will add depth and warmth to the relish.

More Sauce Recipes to Explore: Best Pizza Sauce I Pistachio Pesto I Basil Oil I Chili Garlic Oil

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

While both are delectable tomato-based condiments, tomato chutney and tomato relish have distinct characteristics. Chutneys typically feature a chunkier texture and often incorporate a wider array of ingredients, such as various fruits (like apples or mangoes), nuts, or ginger, and are usually more heavily spiced with a strong emphasis on sweet and savory notes. Relishes, on the other hand, are generally more finely diced, focusing on a brighter, more acidic balance with a pronounced tangy and subtly sweet flavor. They tend to be less sweet than chutneys and aim for a crisp, zesty profile.

If you choose not to peel the tomatoes for this relish (which is my recommended method for ease!), their skins will soften and break down significantly during the long simmering process. This contributes to a lovely, slightly rustic and chunky texture, and also adds a deeper red color to the final relish. While some tiny pieces of skin might remain, they are generally very tender and barely noticeable. If you prefer an absolutely silky-smooth relish, peeling is an option, but it’s entirely optional for this recipe and not necessary for delicious results.

Yes, absolutely! This tomato relish recipe is suitable for safe home canning, making it an excellent way to preserve your summer bounty for year-round enjoyment. However, it is crucial to always follow up-to-date and reputable USDA-approved home-canning guidelines. These guidelines ensure that your canned goods are safe from harmful bacteria and retain their quality. Using reliable resources and precise instructions for processing times and temperatures is key for successful and safe canning.

The beauty of this tomato relish lies in its incredible versatility! It’s fantastic as a topping for classic dishes like sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, or any grilled meats (chicken, pork, fish). Beyond the obvious, try mixing a spoonful into creamy mashed potatoes, stirring it through grain bowls or pasta salads for an extra zing, or serving it as a flavorful dip alongside roasted vegetables, cheese, or crunchy chips. It can also be spread on toast with cream cheese or goat cheese for a quick and delicious snack, or even used to brighten up scrambled or poached eggs.

If you are looking for some more inspiration for some sides, check out everything on the side dishes page.

What to Serve with Your Homemade Tomato Relish

This sweet and tangy tomato relish is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect companion for a wide array of dishes. Its vibrant flavor profile enhances both savory and rich foods, adding a refreshing burst to any meal:

• Elevate Grilled Meats: Spoon this relish generously over grilled chicken, smoked pork loin, or classic BBQ burgers. Its fresh, tangy, and subtly spicy notes perfectly complement the smoky, rich flavors of grilled meats, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious bite. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional BBQ sauce or ketchup.
• Upgrade Sandwiches and Wraps: Transform an ordinary sandwich into a culinary delight. Spread this relish on a chicken Caesar sandwich, a classic turkey club, or any wrap for a sweet and spicy upgrade. It also pairs wonderfully with cream cheese or goat cheese on toast, adding a sophisticated twist to a simple snack. Consider it an exciting spread for grilled cheese, too!
• Perfect for Cheese Boards: Serve it as a star component on a weeknight cheese board or charcuterie platter. The relish’s acidity and sweetness beautifully cut through the richness of various cheeses, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, offering a delightful contrast and enhancing the overall tasting experience.
• Enhance Salads and Grain Bowls: Mix a spoonful or two into your favorite salads or grain bowls for added depth, flavor, and moisture. It acts as a bright, zesty dressing component that awakens the palate and brings all the ingredients together.
• A Delicious Breakfast Topping: Don’t limit this relish to lunch and dinner! It’s a surprisingly tasty topping for poached eggs, scrambled eggs, or even an omelet. Its vibrant flavors add an unexpected twist to your morning meal. It’s also excellent alongside roasted potatoes or hash browns.
• Serve with Fried Foods: The tangy kick of the relish is a fantastic counterpoint to the richness of fried foods. Try it with fish and chips, chicken tenders, or even homemade potato wedges for an elevated dipping experience.

More Irresistible Tomato Recipes

If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of tomatoes, you’re in for a treat! Here are some more of our favorite tomato-centric recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Flaky tomato puff pastry tarts are an elegant and surprisingly simple dish. They’re made with delicate, buttery pastry and topped with juicy, ripe tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, creating a light yet satisfying meal or appetizer.
• Our quick cherry tomato confit offers layers of intensely concentrated tomato flavor. Slow-cooked in olive oil with aromatics, it yields a rich, savory bite with just the right pop of acidity, perfect for spreading on toast or tossing with pasta.
• Enjoy the crisp and refreshing flavors of summer with our bright cucumber tomato salad. Packed with crunchy cucumbers and juicy, ripe tomatoes, and finished with a simple, zesty dressing, this salad perfectly highlights the fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Finally, if you decide to make this delightful homemade tomato relish recipe, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear about your experience! Please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment sharing your thoughts. Your feedback truly means the world to me, and I always make an effort to respond to every single comment. It’s incredibly encouraging to see these recipes come to life in your kitchens!

Feel free to drop any questions you might have below as well – I’m here to help!

Oh, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I genuinely love seeing your culinary creations and how these recipes fit into your homes. It really is my favorite thing to look through those photos.

Want to stay updated with new recipes, kitchen tips, and the latest news? Sign up for my newsletter to get them delivered straight to your inbox!

Easy Tomato Relish Recipe Card

This homemade tomato relish is a bold, tangy-sweet condiment that adds instant flavor to everyday meals. Made with fresh tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, vinegar, and a blend of spices, it simmers down into a thick, zesty spread that’s as versatile as it is easy to make. Perfect for elevating sandwiches, burgers, or any savory dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 45 minutes mins

Total Time: 55 minutes mins

Yields: ~2 cups (8 servings)

No ratings yet

Print

Pin

cook modeprevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• Saucepan (Large, Heavy-Bottomed)
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon & Scraper
• Silicone Spatula
• Airtight Mason Jars (or other containers)

Ingredients

• 5 cups tomatoes finely diced (approx 1 1/2 lb ripe tomatoes)
• 1/2 red onion finely diced
• 1/2 jalapeño seeded and finely diced (adjust for spice preference)
• 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 finely diced ingredients (tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, red wine vinegar, sugar, and spices) to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or skillet. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir frequently, every couple of minutes, to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even heating.
• Continue cooking, maintaining a gentle simmer, and allow the mixture to cook down and thicken. The relish will reduce in volume by approximately a quarter and achieve a much thicker consistency, similar to store-bought relish. Its color will also deepen to a rich, deep red. This reduction process typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the juiciness of your tomatoes and your desired final thickness.
• Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully taste the relish and season with additional salt, pepper, or a tiny adjustment of sugar or vinegar, to taste, until you reach your preferred balance of flavors.
• Serve the tomato relish hot or at room temperature. For storage, ensure the mixture is cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container (like mason jars) and refrigerating.

Video

Notes

• The exact cooking time for this relish can vary between 30 and 45 minutes, largely depending on how juicy your tomatoes are and the desired final thickness of your relish. Keep a close eye on it!
• To maintain its freshness and flavor, store your homemade tomato relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer preservation, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• This recipe is suitable for safe home canning. If you choose to can the relish, always ensure you follow trusted USDA or other authoritative home-canning guidelines precisely for proper processing and safety.
• There’s no need to peel or remove seeds from the tomatoes for this recipe, as they break down during cooking and contribute to the relish’s texture and color. However, you can peel or seed larger tomato varieties if you prefer an even smoother consistency.
• It’s highly recommended to taste your relish after it has finished cooking. At this point, you can easily adjust the sweetness, acidity, or spice level to perfectly match your personal taste preferences.

Nutrition

Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 862IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Calories: 118kcal

Cuisine: Mediterranean, American

Category: Sauce