Imagine a mix of tangy, sweet, and a little spicy flavors all coming together to create something absolutely delicious. This Tomato Onion Relish is perfect for spicing up your meals and adding a burst of flavor.
Today, I’m so excited to share my favorite recipe for tomato onion relish with you. This recipe is not just a relish, it’s a game changer for so many dishes!
I’m a huge fan of making things from scratch. Yes, sometimes it’s nice to buy things from the store, but homemade flavor is so much better!
I love all the tangy flavors of this relish. The colors too! In the end, it’s a condiment that is just plain satisfying to create.
Made with simple ingredients like fresh onions, tomatoes, and some spices, this relish is incredibly easy to make and brings a whole lot of flavor to the table.
It’s perfect for those of you who love adding a homemade touch to your meals. Whether you’re spreading it on sandwiches, using it as a topping for hot dogs (most definitely the hot dogs!!), or just enjoying it as a side, this relish is sure to impress.
The best part? You can tweak it to your liking! Prefer it less spicy? No problem! Love it extra tangy? Go for it! This recipe is super flexible.
So, let’s dive into why this Tomato Onion Relish is a must-try and how you can whip it up in no time!
Some of our other favorite condiment recipes we have on our site include: Easy Homemade Strawberry Butter Recipe with Honey, Best Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe, and French Onion Dip Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients easily found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Quick to Make: It doesn’t take long to cook, making it perfect for a quick meal enhancement.
- Healthy Option: Packed with fresh vegetables, it’s a healthy addition to any meal.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Olive oil
- Large yellow onion
- Garlic
- Can of Rotel mild
- Cilantro
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Salt and pepper
HOW TO MAKE TOMATO ONION RELISH:
- Begin by sautéing onions with the olive oil over medium heat in a medium-sized pan. Cook until slightly browned and soft, stirring occassionally, 10-15 minutes.
- Add in the garlic, stir it in, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add in the Rotel and remaining ingredients. Cook uncovered on a simmer, stir occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by half, 5-10 minutes.
- Cover and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes so all the flavors can come together, stir occasionally. Serve as a condiment on many dishes!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT TO SERVE THIS WITH?
Homemade tomato relish is a great condiment that can elevate a lot of different dishes. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it a must-have for barbecue nights.
It’s also fantastic on burgers, adding a depth of flavor that complements the meat.
For those who love hot dogs, this relish can replace traditional toppings for a unique taste.
It’s even a great addition to a cheese board, offering a tangy and slightly spicy pop that cheese lovers will appreciate.
For fans of Indian cuisine, it can be used similarly to spicy chutneys, bringing a mouth-watering contrast to rich meat dishes.
CAN I USE FRESH TOMATOES?
Absolutely! Using fresh tomatoes, especially ripe summer tomatoes, can enhance the flavor of the relish a ton.
Chop the large ripe tomatoes and let them simmer in a large saucepan to bring out their natural sweetness and tangy flavors. Fresh chopped tomatoes also give the relish a more vibrant color and a fresher taste, which is perfect for healthy eating enthusiasts.
Just remember to remove the tomato skin if you prefer a smoother texture.
IS THIS SPICY?
The spice level of this relish is adaptable to personal preference.
The recipe, as it is, provides a mild heat that most taste buds will enjoy. However, if you like it spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or throw in some chopped red chilies while cooking.
I’m a fan of jalapenos, myself! For those who prefer less spice, you can reduce or omit the spicy ingredients – just use petite diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.
It’s all about making the recipe work for you and your family’s tastes. Remember, a taste test while cooking can help you adjust the spice to your liking.
ANY ADDITIONS?
A good tomato mixture can handle a lot of different flavors. Here are a few ideas!
- Red chilies for extra heat
- Mango for a sweet touch
- Curry leaves for an Indian twist
- Balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor
- Mustard seeds for a tangy kick
- Chopped celery for crunch
- Red bell pepper for sweetness and color
- Lemon juice for extra tang
- Brown sugar for a hint of sweetness
- Cherry tomatoes for a different tomato flavor
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Ever tried using green tomatoes in your relish? It can be done! Here are some other options for subs.
- Red onions instead of yellow for a sharper taste
- Cherry tomatoes instead of canned for a sweeter, fresher relish
- Curry powder instead of cumin for an Indian flavor
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge. The flavors just get better with a few days.
Freezer: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Try to avoid freezer burn!
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Saute onions until they are just beginning to brown for the best flavor.
- Let the relish cool to room temperature before storing.
- For a smoother relish, blend the mixture after cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook – everyone’s taste buds are different!
- Make a double batch – it’s so good you’ll want to have extra!
Tomato Onion Relish is not just a condiment; it’s a flavor-packed addition that can transform any ordinary dish into something special.
Whether it’s for a family barbecue, a quick snack, or to add some zest to your favorite meals, this relish is sure to become one of your favorite things to make.
It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and has the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this TOMATO ONION RELISH, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Easy Chunky Tomato Onion Relish Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion cut into 1/4 inch rings, skins removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 10 ounce can Rotel
- 1/4 up Cilantro rough chop, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by sautéing onions with the olive oil over medium heat in a medium-sized pan. Cook until slightly browned and soft, stirring occasionally, 10-15 minutes.1 large yellow onion, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add in the garlic, stir it in, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.1 clove garlic
- Add in the Rotel and remaining ingredients. Cook uncovered on a simmer, stir occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by half, 5-10 minutes.10 ounce can Rotel, 1/4 up Cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cover and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes so all the flavors can come together, stir occasionally. Serve as a condiment on many dishes!
Notes
- Saute onions until they are just beginning to brown for the best flavor.
- Let the relish cool to room temperature before storing.
- For a smoother relish, blend the mixture after cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook – everyone’s taste buds are different!
- Make a double batch – it’s so good you’ll want to have extra!
Nutrition
Originally posted February 2014, Updated January 2024
Comments & Reviews
Samantha K says
Yum! That looks delicious! I cannot wait until it warms up here, at least a little so we can start grilling again.
Corina says
These look really tasty. I wouldn’t be able to get some of the same ingredients here but I will just settle for the inspiration and try and make something similar at some point – so much more tasty looking than just a hot dog!
angie says
oh my what a delicious hotdog could go for this anytime
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Denise says
This Spicy Tomato Onion Relish looks amazing! I bet it will be good on so many more things than hot dogs. I will be pinning this next. I am visiting today from Random Recipe Roundup. Have a great day!
Gina says
OOH! I could eat one of those right now for breakfast – thanks for the recipe!
Antionette Blake says
It’s still a bit to early to break out the snow covered grill, but this will definitely be on the menu this summer.
Kristina & Millie says
More cheese on mine please! These looks super yummy and make me hope summer is on it’s way!!
Laura@baking in pyjamas says
They look really good! Thanks for sharing on Sweet and Savoury Sundays, stop by and share with us again this weekend!
Alyssa // Runway Chef says
These sound so delicious and easy to make! A great way to spice up dinner!
Krista Low says
These hot dogs look amazing! When we lived in Tucson we found a great joint about a week before we moved to VA for sonoran hotdogs… needless to say I’ve been craving! I just pinned these and can’t wait to give them a try 🙂