Sweet and Spicy Watermelon Rind Relish
A no-waste recipe you can use to elevate burgers, brats, potato, egg, or tuna salad. We even like it with cream cheese or goat cheese over crackers! Customize the recipe to your taste using sweet onions and red bell peppers, or ramp up the spice with whatever hot peppers you can tolerate. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer’s market
Ingredients
- 6 cups watermelon* rind
- 1 onion* cubed
- 1 bell pepper* Seeded and chopped into large pieces
- 2 jalapeños* seeded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp mustard seeds
- 2 tbsp pickling spice tied in cheesecloth
Instructions
- Prepare watermelon rind by removing dark green skin with a vegetable peeler or knife. Cut rind into medium chunks.
- In a food processor, place watermelon rind, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper. Pulse until relish consistency. Pour mixture into non-metallic bowl and add salt. Stir to incorporate salt, then cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove mixture from fridge and place in a colander. Rinse the mixture under water while gently stirring. Drain remaining water and use a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Place watermelon mixture into a large heavy pot. Add sugar, apple cider vinegar, and remaining spices. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove cheesecloth bundle and store relish in refrigerator, or use your preferred canning method to preserve your fresh relish. Relish will last in the fridge for several weeks.
Notes
Adjust the spice level in this recipe to your liking. Leave the seeds in the jalapeños, or even try hotter peppers for more kick.
Food Styling and Photography by Sierra Buchholz
Nutrition
Calories: 20kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 25mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 97IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg
