In a parallel universe there is a Wendy who regularly sits in her garden enjoying the last of the evening sun whilst having barbeque after barbeque after barbeque. In this reality, however, summer has been monumentally disappointing in terms of temperature and sun-appearance and this Wendy has managed to have one barbeque in two months. And I had to wear two jumpers.
Not to worry. In every other respect the summer has been fantastic and burgers can, after all, be cooked inside. Recently we’ve been eating them topped with this rather lovely, chunky tomato relish.
Tomato Relish – Two Jars
(Adapted from Made at Home Preserves by Dick and James Strawbridge – lovely wee book)
125g brown sugar
200ml white wine vinegar
500g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium onion, chopped finely
1 tspn dried chilli flakes
1 tblspn onion seeds
1 tspn paprika
1/2 tspn ground ginger
3 tblspn capers
Approx. 4 medium gherkins, chopped finely
- Warm the vinegar and sugar in a pan over a medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Add the tomatoes, chopped onion and spices to the pan and bring to the boil. Reduce heat immediately and simmer gently for 45 minutes. Add the capers and gherkins and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour into sterilised jars.
- Will keep in the fridge for at least six months.
A Wee Bit of Cooking 
This looks fabulous and quite simple! I’m looking into the ‘putting-up’ movement and really need to get over the created fear of sterilizing jars! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
oooh, I am so making this, I’ve got tomatoes coming out of the backyard by the bushel!
Looks so good! Aren’t those jars just the best? I have a number of them myself.
and there you have the christmas gifts that I will be giving out this year!
This does look good . I wonder what the carbohydrate count is per spoonful , though … and whether I’d have the self restraint required not to sneak an extra dollop or two ?
Will be trying this out as tomatoes are plentiful here, only problem I can’t get gherkins here in Shanghai, although I’ll keep looking, but can’t see that it wouldn’t still be delicious if I omit them. What do you think?
Might have to try this, it looks delicious!
Lovely looking post. Yours sund like our Irish bbq’s this summer. Jumpers and umbrellas for all.
Best,
Conor
I think you need more than sunshine to make a great bbq – a relish like this is exactly what is needed (we don’t have a bbq but we have the oppposite problem in summer often – it is too hot to go outside 🙂 Glad you are enjoying some burgers
I have been looking for a recipe like this! Thanks for sharing!
I made a few jars of this gorgeous relish this afternoon, it’s fabulous. Just can’t wait to get a barbie going and have some with a burger. Delish!. Thanks so much for the recipe, Louisa
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