Gatekeeper Dill Relish

WHAT TO DO WITH THAT HUGE JAR OF DILL PICKLE SLICES

I like to buy the large plastic jar of hamburger slices at the warehouse store.  The problem is eating them quickly enough.  I normally buy a jar when I am having a pretty large burgers and hot dogs cookout.  The problem I have is finding a dill relish that is not in very small quantities and is a reasonable cost.  Sweet relish is easier to find in large quantities. So…I am making my own dill relish with the sliced pickles.  It is simple, quick and cost effective.

You can make whatever ratio of pickles to other ingredients you choose, but the pickles are the main thing.

·       Chop the pickles on a board…pretty fine.  A good, sharp chopping knife is essential.

·       I add a spoonful of nacho sliced jalapeños, chopped extremely fine (I like the relish with some attitude…go easy and taste test it)

·       Sprinkle some garlic powder, or finely chopped fresh garlic

·       Add a small amount of a good Italian dressing (approximately ¼ cup) Use good dressing. If you wouldn’t eat it on your salad, don’t put it in your relish.  I like Olive Garden Italian.

·       Onion flakes….sparingly.

·       Organic non-salt seasoning, if desired. VERY sparingly. I like it to have more than one or two flavor profiles…it is a relish, not just chopped pickles.  Kirkland (Costco) makes an organic no-salt seasoning with a blend of 21 spices and ingredients from around the world.  Excellent choice for a variety of recipes (spaghetti sauce, for one).

·       I add about ½ of a finely chopped tomato (fresh is best, canned is OK too). It doesn’t add much flavor, but the splash color is terrific.  Remember…we eat with our eyes, first.

That’s it!  No high fructose syrup like the sweet relishes contain.  Very low in calories.  As you can see, it is better to add ingredients in small amounts and taste as you go.

You will have great tasting dill relish for hot dogs, brats, and anything else you want to put it on.   

Ingredients:

• Hamburger sliced dill pickles
• Nacho sliced jalapeños
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic
• Italian dressing
• Onion flakes
• Non-salt seasoning
• 1/2 Tomato