Cucumber Pepper Relish is a delightful condiment that combines the crispness of cucumbers with the vibrant flavors of peppers, onions, and a mix of aromatic spices. This vintage recipe, found in VRP001, comes from a newspaper clipping with no precise date or publication name, but it’s linked to a 1959 Family Weekly reference, suggesting it was printed around the same time. This relish is a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can be transformed into a flavorful accompaniment that adds zest to a variety of dishes.
The newspaper clipping references the Chili Sauce recipe from the Family Weekly newspaper dated September 6, 1959. Therefore, I am going to assume that they were printed at the same time.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Cucumber Pepper Relish
The Charm of Homemade Relishes
Relishes have long been a staple in home kitchens, particularly in the mid-20th century when preserving seasonal produce was a common practice. These tangy, sweet, and spicy condiments were often made in large batches and stored for use throughout the year, adding a burst of flavor to everything from sandwiches to grilled meats.
This particular recipe for Cucumber Pepper Relish showcases the ingenuity of home cooks who knew how to make the most of their garden’s bounty. The combination of cucumbers, peppers, onions, and tomatoes creates a colorful and textural delight, while the blend of spices, vinegar, and sugar gives the relish its distinctive sweet-and-sour profile.
Timeline of Cucumber Pepper Relish
- 19th to Early 20th Century: Relishes and pickles become popular as a way to preserve fresh vegetables for year-round use.
- 1959: This recipe for Cucumber Pepper Relish is likely published, alongside a reference to the Family Weekly newspaper dated September 6, 1959.
- Today: The recipe is preserved in Vintage Recipe Box 001, continuing the tradition of homemade condiments.
Making Cucumber Pepper Relish: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite
This Cucumber Pepper Relish recipe is a wonderful way to add flavor and color to your meals. It’s easy to prepare and yields a delicious relish that can be used in a variety of ways.
Tips for Preparing Cucumber Pepper Relish
- Selecting the Vegetables: Choose fresh, firm cucumbers, peppers, and onions for the best results. The cucumbers should be pared and coarsely chopped, while the green and red peppers, onions, and ripe tomatoes should be chopped to a similar size. The vibrant colors of these vegetables make the relish as visually appealing as it is tasty.
- Preparing the Spice Bag: The recipe calls for whole spices—celery seed, turmeric, whole allspice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. These spices are tied together in a spice bag (a piece of cheesecloth works well) and added to the pot to infuse the relish with their aromatic flavors. This method ensures the spices are easily removable before jarring the relish.
- Cooking the Relish: Once the vegetables and vinegar mixture are combined in a large sauce pot, the spice bag is added, and the mixture is brought to a boil. Stirring ensures the sugar dissolves completely, allowing the flavors to meld together as the relish simmers. The 30-minute simmering time allows the vegetables to soften and absorb the vinegar and spices, resulting in a balanced and flavorful relish.
- Sterilizing the Jars: Properly sterilizing the jars and lids is crucial for safe canning. Wash and sterilize them by boiling in water for at least 10 minutes, then let them drain and dry completely before filling.
- Filling and Sealing: After simmering, the hot relish is carefully ladled into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. The jars are then sealed tightly and allowed to cool. Proper sealing ensures the relish can be stored for several months without spoiling.
- Serving Suggestions: This Cucumber Pepper Relish is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, or sandwiches, and can also be served as a side condiment with grilled meats or added to salads for a tangy crunch. The sweet-and-sour flavor profile pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a handy addition to your pantry.
Vintage Recipe Box 001
There are lots of fun recipes to read in the box this recipe for Cucumber Pepper Relish was with.
Click here to read the history of VRP001 recipe box from Morrow County, Ohio and click here to view all the VRP001 Vintage Recipe Box Recipes
More Vintage Recipes
We have lots of recipes on the site that may be of interest to you.
Use the links below to view other recipes similar to this Cucumber Pepper Relish recipe.
Recipe Box and Cards
Start your own recipe box or your family or friends. Click here to view New and Vintage Recipe Boxes.
Once you have your recipe boxes, you will need recipe cards. Click here to view Recipe Cards and Templates.
Want to protect your recipe cards from splats and splatters in the kitchen? Click here to view Recipe Card Protectors and Sleeves.
Vintage Kitchen Tools and Dishes
I love vintage dishes and kitchenware.
On the weekends I can often be found in a thrift store poking through the shelves to find vintage treasures to use as props for our photography for the site.
Click here to view Vintage Kitchenware on Etsy.
Vintage Cookbooks
Every once and a while you can find a good cookbook with Vintage Recipes on Amazon. I don’t have any recommendations as I haven’t bought any as I prefer the handwritten recipes that you see on our site.
You can always find treasures on sites that sell used items such as Vintage Cookbooks on eBay and Vintage Cookbooks on Etsy
Conclusion: A Classic Condiment with Timeless Appeal
This Cucumber Pepper Relish recipe from Vintage Recipe Box 001 is more than just a condiment; it’s a connection to the past, when preserving fresh produce was a way of life. The recipe’s simple ingredients and straightforward method make it accessible for modern cooks, while the flavor it delivers is anything but ordinary. As you prepare this relish, you’re not only creating a delicious accompaniment but also continuing a tradition that has brought joy to countless meals over the years.
Whether you’re making it to enjoy yourself or to share with friends and family, this Cucumber Pepper Relish is sure to add a burst of flavor to any dish. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and enjoy the process of making this timeless relish.
Cucumber Pepper Relish Recipe
Cucumber Pepper Relish
Ingredients
- 1 quart cucumbers, pared and coarsely chopped
- 2 cups green peppers, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup red peppers, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric, ground
- 1 tablespoon whole spice, whole
- 1 tablespoon cloves, whole
- 3 3" sticks cinnamon
Instructions
- Set out a large, heavy sauce pot or kettle and 6 1/2 pint jar with covers
- Put vegetables into sauce pot
- Blend in the vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seed, and turmeric
- Bring the mixture to boiling
- Tie spices in a spice bag
- Add spice bag to the sauce pot and set over medium heat
- Stir until sugar is dissolved
- Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes while stirring occasionally
- Meanwhile wash, sterilize, and drain the jars and covers
- Fill drained jars immediately and seal tightly