Quick Tomato Relish Recipe

Tomato relish recipe is a tangy, slightly sweet condiment made from slow-cooked tomatoes, spices, and aromatics that enhance the flavor of countless dishes.  This versatile preserve typically includes ingredients like fennel, garlic, ginger, onions, green chillies, and a touch of sugar and salt to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Perfect as a spread, dip or accompaniment, homemade tomato relish adds depth to burgers, sandwiches, and grilled meats.

Tomato Relish

This is a quick condiment you can make under 15 mins. You can make this during the weekend and keep handy in the fridge and use it through out the week. You can have it with sandwiches, grilled chicken, fish or eggs. Even have it with roti, naan as well.

Jump to:

• About Tomato Relish
• Ingredients
• Hacks 
• Tomato Relish (Step by Step)
• Expert tips
• Variations 
• FAQ
• 📖 Recipe Card

What is Relish

A relish is a cooked and pickled product made of chopped vegetables, fruits, pickles, or herbs that is typically used as a condiment to complement a staple. Chutneys and North American relish, a pickled cucumber jam eaten with hot dogs or hamburgers,
are two examples. Must Try this Orange Skin Relish.

This is  easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Whether you’re looking for a tomato chutney recipe, savory tomato preserve, spicy tomato spread or the best tomato dip for snacks and meals, this tomato relish offers a burst of flavor in every spoonful.

Why I love this recipe - This reminds me of warm family meals and my grandmother’s kitchen, making it more than just a condiment, it’s a memory on a plate. Every spoonful delivers a perfect mix of tang, heat, and sweetness that instantly lifts any dish, even the simplest ones. Despite its rich taste, it’s incredibly simple to make with minimal prep and common ingredients. It feels satisfying to make it from scratch, knowing exactly what goes into it, no preservatives, just real flavor. Having a jar of this in the fridge means I’m never far from adding a delicious punch to my meals, anytime I need it.

With its rich texture and bold, layered taste, tomato relish pairs beautifully with cheese platters, wraps, or even your morning toast. Its homemade charm and simple ingredients make it a healthier, tastier alternative to store-bought sauces. If you’re a fan of meal prep, this easy tomato relish recipe is a must-try, adding convenience and vibrant flavor to your kitchen lineup.

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Capsicum Chutney
Onion Chutney
Beetroot Chutney
Chilli Garlic Chutney
Onion Tomato Chutney

About Tomato Relish

I first came across tomato relish during a weekend at my grandmother’s house, where the kitchen smelled of slow-cooked tomatoes, garlic, and warming spices. She had a special way of turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable, and her spicy tomato chutney was a regular on the table. 

That day, she served it with freshly made parathas and a fluffy omelette and I instantly fell in love with the bold flavors. Inspired by her, I began making my own quick tomato spread recipe at home, and now it’s my go-to for everything from sandwiches to grilled meats. 

Homemade vs Store-bought

Unlike store-bought tomato preserves, the homemade version is packed with freshness and a personal touch that makes every bite special. It’s now a staple in my fridge, perfect for busy days when even a small spoonful can elevate the most basic meal. If you’re searching for easy relish recipes, this one delivers nostalgia and bold flavor all in one.

As the years passed, I made the recipe my own tweaking the spice levels, playing with fennel and green chillies, and adjusting the texture to my liking. What started as a memory has become a weekend tradition, with the familiar aroma once again filling my kitchen.  Whether you need a savory tomato spread, a tomato dip for quick snacks, or a flavorful topping for your favorite dishes, this homemade relish brings generations together, one spoonful at a time.

Why this recipe work?

Balanced Flavors: The combination of tangy tomatoes, spicy green chillies, sweet sugar, and aromatic fennel seeds creates a well-rounded taste that complements a variety of dishes.

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday pantry staples like onions, garlic, ginger, and spices, making it easy to whip up without a special grocery trip.

Slow Cooking Magic: Cooking the mixture slowly allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to thicken naturally, enhancing both taste and shelf life.

Versatile Use: From sandwiches and wraps to grilled meats and breakfast eggs, this tomato relish fits effortlessly into any meal.

Great for Storage: Once cooled and stored in a clean jar, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week, perfect for meal prep and busy schedules.

Ingredients

Olive Oil: Olive oil serves as the perfect base, ensuring all the spices and ingredients blend together beautifully while adding richness to the relish.

Fennel Seeds: Fennel seeds bring a mild, sweet, and aromatic flavor, elevating the overall taste profile and adding a subtle warmth to the relish.

Ginger & Garlic: Finely chopped ginger gives a zesty and slightly spicy kick, providing a fresh and fragrant undertone that enhances the overall depth of flavor. Garlic adds a savory, bold flavor with a hint of sweetness when cooked, intensifying the relish’s overall flavor profile.

Onion & Chilies: Chopped onions contribute a mild sweetness and texture, while their natural sugars help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Green chillies bring a fresh, vibrant heat to the relish, offering an essential spicy element without overwhelming the other flavors.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the key ingredient, providing tang, juiciness, and richness to the relish, creating the perfect base for all the other ingredients.

Salt & Sugar: Salt is crucial for enhancing all the other flavors, ensuring a well-seasoned and balanced relish. A touch of sugar adds a necessary sweetness that balances the acidity and heat, giving the relish a smooth and harmonious taste.

Red Chilli Flakes: Red chilli flakes add an extra layer of heat and visual appeal, offering a gentle spicy kick and vibrant color to the relish.

Coriander Leaves / Parsley: Fresh coriander or parsley adds a burst of herbaceous brightness, balancing the savory flavors and providing a fresh, aromatic finish.

Hacks 

Use Canned Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, canned crushed tomatoes work just as well and save time on chopping and peeling.

Add a Dash of Vinegar: A splash of apple cider or white vinegar adds a zesty kick and helps preserve the relish a little longer.

Blend for Smoothness: For a smoother texture, give the cooked relish a quick blitz with a hand blender, perfect for spreads or dips.

Customize the Heat: Adjust the number of green chillies or add chilli flakes based on your spice preference. You can even mix in smoked paprika for depth.

Freeze in Portions: If you make a big batch, freeze small portions in airtight containers. Thaw as needed for a quick flavor boost.

Use as a Base: Stir it into curries, pasta sauces, or stews to instantly enrich the flavor, it’s more than just a side.

Add Herbs Last: Always stir in fresh coriander or any herbs at the end to keep their flavor bright and fresh.

Tomato Relish (Step by Step)

1)Take all your ingredients needed to make relish.

2)Heat oil in a pan. Add in fennel seeds and allow them to sizzle.

3)Add in chopped ginger and garlic.

4)Saute until fragrant.

5)Add in chopped onions and green chillies.

6)Saute until fragrant.

7)Add in tomatoes. You can use fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes.

8)Cook the tomatoes until thickened.

9)Now the tomatoes are cooked.

9)Add in salt, sugar and red chilli flakes.

10)Mix that well.

11)Add in chopped coriander leaves.

12)Mix that well.

13)Serve.

Expert tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly minced ginger, garlic, and coriander leaves. Freshness enhances the taste and aroma.

Tomato Consistency: Ensure the tomatoes cook down thoroughly until they thicken, as this adds richness to the dish.

Oil Choice: Opt for a neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil so the flavors from fennel seeds and other spices shine through.

Adjust Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable stock to achieve your desired consistency without compromising flavor.

Acidic Kick: For a tangy contrast, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end of cooking. This will help balance the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the tomatoes.

Storage & Serving

Topping Variations: Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted nuts like cashews or almonds, or even fried onions, for an added crunch and flavor contrast.

Fresh vs Dried Herbs: While fresh coriander adds a bright note at the end, you can use dried coriander or even dried fenugreek leaves for a more earthy, savory flavor. Adjust according to availability and taste.

Storing : Store in a clean jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Variations 

Green Tomato Pickle Recipe: Green tomato pickle is a tangy, spicy condiment made by pickling firm green tomatoes with mustard seeds, fenugreek, chili powder, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. It’s a perfect accompaniment to rice or parathas and gets better with time.

Tomato Thokku Recipe: Tomato thokku is a South Indian-style spicy tomato preserve made by slow-cooking ripe tomatoes with mustard, curry leaves, and spices. It’s thick, flavorful, and lasts for days, ideal with idli, dosa, or curd rice.

Tomato Jam Recipe: Tomato jam is a sweet and savory spread made by simmering tomatoes with sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of spices like cinnamon or chili flakes. It pairs beautifully with toast, crackers, or even grilled cheese sandwiches.

Tomato Chutney: Tomato chutney is a quick and zesty side dish made with sautéed tomatoes, garlic, chilies, and tempered spices. It’s blended to a smooth or chunky texture and works well with breakfast dishes like dosa, upma, or poori.

FAQ

1)What’s the difference between tomato relish and tomato chutney?

Relish is usually chunkier, sweeter, and includes vinegar for a tangy kick, while chutney is often more spiced and can be smoother in texture depending on the region.

2) How long does tomato relish last?

When stored in a sterilized jar in the refrigerator, it can last for 3–4 weeks. For longer shelf life, consider water-bath canning for pantry storage.

3) Can I make tomato relish without sugar?

Yes, but sugar helps balance the acidity and preserve the relish. You can use natural alternatives like honey or jaggery, but the taste and shelf life may vary.

4) What kind of tomatoes are best for relish?

Use ripe, fleshy tomatoes like Roma or plum tomatoes, they have less water content and give a thicker relish.

5) Can I add other vegetables or fruits?

Absolutely! Onions and bell peppers are commonly added. You can also try apples, zucchini, or even a hint of pineapple for a unique twist.

6) How can I use tomato relish?

Serve it with grilled meats, sausages, burgers, sandwiches, or as a dip for crackers and cheese boards.

7) Can I freeze tomato relish?

Yes, tomato relish freezes well. Store it in airtight containers and thaw in the fridge before use.

Chutney Recipes to Try

📖 Recipe Card

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