Discover the magic of relish and its use in modern cuisine

What is Relish and Why You Shouldn't Miss It in Your Fridge

You may have come across this term on a label in foreign stores, or you might have heard about it in a cooking show. Relish – it sounds a bit exotic, but in reality, it's something quite close to traditional Czech cuisine. Although it is not commonly translated into Czech, in short, it is a type of spicy or sweet-and-sour condiment, most often made from chopped vegetables or fruits. The most well-known and widespread variant is cucumber relish, or relish made from pickled or fresh cucumbers.

In the Anglo-Saxon world, no hotdog is complete without it – that green, sweet-and-sour, finely chopped "salad" inside the bun is relish. But cucumber relish can do much more than just enhance a hot dog. In the kitchen, it becomes a small miracle that can transform ordinary food into a taste experience.

From Pickle to Relish

The basic ingredient is the cucumber – whether it's the classic salad cucumber or a pickling cucumber. The difference from the usual pickled cucumber lies in the fact that in a relish recipe, the cucumbers are chopped coarsely or finely, often combined with other vegetables (such as onions, peppers, or mustard seeds) and seasoned with sugar, vinegar, and spices. The result is a thicker, juicier chutney with a balanced sweet-and-sour taste.

Why is this type of condiment so popular? Unlike classic pickled vegetables or canned mixtures, relish is softer, juicier, and immediately usable without the need for further preparation. It pairs excellently with hot dishes, but also in sandwiches, with cheeses, or with roasted meats. And what's more – it is made without unnecessary preservatives and additives, which pleases anyone who watches what they eat.

How to Make Homemade Cucumber Relish

Making relish at home is surprisingly simple and does not require any special equipment. The most important thing is quality ingredients – ideally organic cucumbers from the market or home gardens. It is also worth using good vinegar, such as apple or wine vinegar, which gives the relish a milder taste.

Here is a proven recipe for cucumber relish, which you can adjust according to your taste:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of salad cucumbers
• 1 large onion
• 1 red bell pepper (or another sweet pepper)
• 150 g of brown sugar
• 250 ml of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric (for color)
• a pinch of ground pepper

Procedure:

1. Thoroughly wash and finely chop the cucumbers, onion, and pepper. You can use a food processor, but be careful – the mixture should remain somewhat coarse, not pureed into a mash.
2. In a bowl, mix the vegetables with salt and let them rest for about 2 hours. Then drain the excess liquid.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the brine: in a pot, mix vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, and pepper. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add the chopped vegetables, mix, and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes.
5. Fill clean jars with the hot mixture, seal them, and turn them upside down for several minutes. Store in a cool place.

This prepared relish can last in the fridge for several months, but it's likely to disappear before it ages.

Unexpected Uses in Everyday Cooking

While in the USA, relish is primarily used in hot dogs and hamburgers, in Czech cuisine, it has found its own path. It is excellent as a substitute for classic pickled cucumbers in potato salad or spreads. Thanks to its consistency, it mixes better and brings greater juiciness and more interesting flavor to the dish.

A great tip is to add a spoonful of cucumber relish to homemade mayonnaise or yogurt dip. This creates a simple yet bold sauce that pairs well with grilled vegetable patties or baked potatoes. Some even use relish as a sweet-and-sour addition to vegan sandwiches with tofu, where it adds depth of flavor.

In the Novotný family from Pardubice, relish has become a part of Sunday lunch. “We make homemade burgers, and everyone puts what they want in the bun. But relish is a must. It's a staple. The kids like it more than ketchup," says Mrs. Novotná.

Ecological Variants and Zero Waste Approach

The advantage of making homemade relish is also the possibility to minimize waste and use garden surpluses. Do you have a cucumber crop this year that has overwhelmed you? Instead of another batch of classic pickles, try something more original. And if you add, for example, green parts of spring onions or carrot tops, not only will you reduce waste, but you'll also add a new flavor dimension to the relish.

Those who prefer clean labels are also thinking about ecology. In commercially sold relishes, you often find preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or colorings. Homemade production gives you control over the composition and origin of the ingredients. Therefore, cucumber relish is increasingly appearing in organic variants – whether directly at farmers' markets or in the offerings of e-shops focused on healthy and sustainable living.

Ferwer.cz, for example, offers not only ecological jars and lids suitable for canning but also organic spices without additives, which are perfect for seasoning homemade mixtures like relish.

Is Relish the Same as Chutney?

People often ask: “Isn't it just another word for chutney?" The answer is: not quite. While chutney is usually smoother, often has a jam-like consistency, and is often made from fruits, relish is rawer, coarser, with a distinctly recognizable structure of individual ingredients. It is closer to a salad than a sauce.

More sensitive palates will appreciate that relish is less spicy than Indian chutney – yet the natural taste of the vegetables stands out more. Additionally, due to its consistency, it is easy to measure and combine – whether added to a salad, on toast, or as a garnish for grilled cheese.

Relish as Part of Modern Cuisine

Today's gastronomy plays with flavors and textures and seeks new ways to jazz up traditional dishes. Cucumber relish is one of those hidden gems that offer a connection of the familiar with the new. Its sweet-and-sour taste and juicy texture make it an ideal companion for modern dining – whether it's vegan burgers, fermented dishes, or healthy sandwiches.

Whether you decide to prepare it at home according to our cucumber relish recipe or choose one of the ready-made ecological variants, one thing is certain: relishes are experiencing a renaissance. And it's no wonder – at a time when more and more people are interested in the origin of food, its seasonality, and its ecological impact, this inconspicuous flavor addition offers everything modern cuisine demands.

As Anthony Bourdain once said: “A good chef knows that the secret to flavor is in the right seasoning." Maybe your kitchen is just waiting to discover the magic of cucumber relish.