British Tangy Pickle Relish: Easy Branston-Style Recipe

British tangy pickle relish, oh, the memories it evokes! From childhood picnics with crusty bread and cheddar cheese, to Boxing Day feasts with leftover ham, this vibrant condiment is a taste of home. This British tangy pickle relish recipe is my take on a classic, a sweet and savory explosion of flavors that perfectly complements just about everything. Get ready to elevate your sandwiches, cheese boards, and even your breakfasts with this delightful addition!                                                 Close-up detail

Why You Will Love This British tangy pickle relish Recipe

This Branston style pickle recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly comforting. The tangy, sweet, and savory notes dance on your palate, making every bite a joyful experience. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The recipe has been passed down through generations of my family and always reminds me of simpler times.

What makes this recipe special? I think it’s the balance of vegetables. We have the perfect mix of sweet onions, crunchy carrots and savory cauliflower, all swimming in a rich slightly spicy vinegary sauce.
And the slightly sweet and subtly spicy kick from the malt vinegar and mustard seeds makes your tastebuds sing.

Ingredients Needed for This British tangy pickle relish Recipe

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 small cauliflower head, cut into small florets
• 100g marrow, peeled, deseeded, and diced (or use zucchini)
• 50g green beans, topped and tailed and chopped
• 200g brown sugar
• 600ml malt vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make This British tangy pickle relish Recipe

1. Prepare the vegetables: Chop all the vegetables into roughly equal sized pieces. A dice of about 1cm is ideal.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large, heavy based saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Stir well to ensure the sugar is dissolved.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the relish has thickened to your liking. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. The vinegar should be almost fully reduced and the resulting pickle will have a lovely jam like consistency.

*Tip: The longer you cook it, the thicker it will be. Be careful not to burn the bottom of the pan!*

1. Test for setting: To test for thickness, place a small spoonful onto a cold plate and allow to cool. Push the edge of the pickle with your finger. If the surface that has been moved wrinkles up, the pickle is ready.
2. Cool and jar: Allow the relish to cool slightly before pouring it into sterilized jars.
3. Seal and store: Seal the jars tightly and store in a cool, dark place.

How to Serve This British tangy pickle relish Recipe

British tangy pickle relish is incredibly versatile. Spread it on sandwiches with ham or cheese, serve it alongside a ploughman’s lunch, or add a dollop to your burgers for a burst of flavor. It’s equally delicious with cheeses like cheddar, Red Leicester, or even a creamy brie. You can also serve it with cold meats, pate, and crackers. For a unique twist, try adding a spoonful to your scrambled eggs or omelets. Don’t forget to try our Creamy Dill Pickle Dip (https://recipescharming.com/creamy-dill-pickle-dip/) for another tangy treat!

How to Store This British tangy pickle relish Recipe

Once opened, store the British tangy pickle relish in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks, if properly stored. Unopened jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Ensure the jars are properly sterilized to maximize shelf life.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing.

Tips to Make This British tangy pickle relish Recipe

• For a spicier relish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Use a variety of vegetables for a more complex flavor.
• Ensure the jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices!

Helpful Notes for This British tangy pickle relish Recipe

Malt vinegar is essential for the authentic British tangy pickle relish flavor. However, you can substitute with cider vinegar if necessary, though the flavor will be slightly different. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your pan and the heat of your stove. Keep a close eye on the relish and stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Like this recipe? Try our Cauliflower Cashew Salad (https://recipescharming.com/cauliflower-cashew-salad/) for another creative approach to vegetables!

Variation of This British tangy pickle relish Recipe

• For a festive twist, add dried cranberries or chopped walnuts during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• For a sweeter relish, add diced apples or pears.
• For a veggie loaded version, consider adding diced eggplant, butternut squash, bell peppers, or courgette (zucchini).
• A simple modification that many of my friends like is including sliced gherkins for extra tang.

FAQs About This British tangy pickle relish Recipe

Conclusion 

British tangy pickle relish is more than just a condiment — it’s a jar of comfort and tradition. With its perfect balance of sweet vegetables, warming spices, and sharp malt vinegar, it transforms the simplest sandwich into something truly special.

If you enjoyed this homemade Branston-style pickle, be sure to Follow us on Pinterest for more traditional comfort food recipes and classic homemade condiments. There’s always something simmering in our kitchen!

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British Tangy Pickle Relish: Easy Branston-Style Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 jars 1x

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Description

This British Tangy Pickle Relish recipe is a sweet and tangy condiment perfect for sandwiches, cheese boards, and more. Learn how to make this flavorful classic at home!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 small cauliflower head, cut into small florets
• 100g marrow, peeled, deseeded, and diced (or use zucchini)
• 50g green beans, topped and tailed and chopped
• 200g brown sugar
• 600ml malt vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the vegetables: Chop all the vegetables into roughly equal sized pieces.
2. 2. Combine ingredients: In a large, heavy based saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Stir well to ensure the sugar is dissolved.
3. 3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring frequently.
4. 4. Test for setting: Place a small spoonful onto a cold plate to cool. If wrinkles form when pushed, the pickle is ready.
5. 5. Cool and jar: Allow the relish to cool slightly before pouring it into sterilized jars.
6. 6. Seal and store: Seal the jars tightly and store in a cool, dark place.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Calories: 75
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pickle relish, British pickle, Branston style pickle, chutney