I’ve always had a soft spot for pickled vegetables. Growing up, my grandmother would serve up jars of homemade beetroot relish during our family gatherings. The deep, earthy flavor combined with the tang of vinegar always stood out. Years later, I discovered Jamie Oliver’s version of beetroot relish, and it felt like a taste of nostalgia with a modern twist. His approach, simple yet flavorful, has made it my go-to recipe when I need to impress or just enjoy something comforting at home.
Making beetroot relish is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating something from scratch that packs layers of flavor. This relish isn’t just a side dish – it can be the star of a sandwich or burger, or even a topping on a cheese board. So, let me walk you through how to make this delicious treat and give you some insider tips to elevate it.
Jamie Oliver’s Beetroot Relish Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s beetroot relish recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and earthy. What makes this recipe stand out is how Jamie lets the ingredients shine without overcomplicating the process. He pairs the sweetness of the beets with the sharpness of vinegar, all while keeping it fresh with a kick of ginger.
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted depending on what you have on hand, but if you stick to Jamie’s basic ingredients, you’ll get a fantastic result every time.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet they come together to create something so unique. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beetroots (4 large): These are the heart of the dish. Beets bring that earthy, sweet base that the rest of the ingredients build on.
- Onions (2 medium): Red onions work best, giving a little sharpness that balances the sweetness of the beets.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (200ml): This is the tangy backbone of the relish. It adds a nice acidity to balance the natural sweetness of the beets and onions.
- Brown Sugar (100g): To enhance the sweetness of the beets and the tanginess from the vinegar.
- Fresh Ginger (1-inch piece): Adds a zingy warmth that brightens up the flavor profile.
- Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps cook down the onions and adds a bit of richness.
The simplicity of these ingredients makes the recipe easy to follow, and they’re usually things you can find in most kitchens.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Beetroot Relish
I’ll never forget the first time I made this recipe. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I was craving something hearty. The whole process was relaxing. Here’s how I go about making Jamie Oliver’s beetroot relish:
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Prep The Beets
Wash the beets thoroughly, scrub off any dirt, and then boil them until they’re tender. This can take about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on their size. Once cooked, let them cool enough to handle, and then peel them. The skin comes off easily once cooked, so no need for a lot of elbow grease. Afterward, grate the beets finely.
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Cook The Onions And Ginger
In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions and freshly grated ginger. This brings out their natural sweetness and flavors. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften but don’t brown.
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Combine The Ingredients
Add the grated beets, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the onions. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. You want the mixture to cook down and thicken slightly, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
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Store And Let It Settle
Once the mixture has thickened, transfer it to sterilized jars. Let the relish cool to room temperature, then seal it and store it in the fridge for a few days to let the flavors develop.
I remember the first time I tasted it. The balance of sweetness, tang, and a little spice was perfect. Every bite felt like a little burst of flavor.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this beetroot relish has a specific purpose, and understanding why they’re in there can give you a deeper appreciation for the recipe:
- Beets: Known for their natural sweetness and earthy flavor, beets are a great base for a relish. When cooked, they release natural sugars which combine with the vinegar to create a balanced tanginess.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, in particular, brings a fruity tang and sharpness that cuts through the sweetness of the beets and the onions, creating a harmonious contrast.
- Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds complexity to the sweetness, making it more rounded compared to regular white sugar.
- Onions: Onions contribute both sweetness and sharpness when cooked, while also helping to bind the flavors together.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and a bit of heat, providing a fresh, zesty contrast to the richness of the beets and sugar.
The combination of these ingredients creates a well-balanced relish that’s tangy, sweet, and a little spicy – a perfect accompaniment for a variety of dishes.
Expert Tips
To take your beetroot relish to the next level, here are a few expert tips:
- Use Fresh Beets: Avoid canned beets if you can. Fresh beets have a more vibrant flavor and texture, which is crucial in this recipe.
- Boost the Spice: If you want a bit more heat, you can add a small chili or a pinch of ground cayenne pepper. It adds a lovely kick without overpowering the sweetness.
- Let it Rest: Like most pickles and relishes, the longer it sits, the better the flavor. If you can, make this a day in advance and let it marinate in the fridge overnight.
- Don’t Skip the Vinegar: The acidity from the vinegar is essential for balancing the sweetness of the beets. Don’t be tempted to reduce the amount.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie Oliver’s recipe is already amazing on its own, here are some fun variations you can try:
- Spicy Beetroot Relish: Add chili flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the mixture for an extra kick.
- Add Garlic: A couple of garlic cloves, finely minced, can bring a savory depth to the relish.
- Citrus Twist: Try swapping out some of the vinegar for orange juice or lemon juice for a citrusy touch.
- Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the cooking process can give the relish an aromatic twist.
- Smoky Flavor: A small amount of smoked paprika can give the relish a lovely smokiness, perfect for burgers or grilled meats.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s beetroot relish is more than just a condiment – it’s an experience. From the earthy sweetness of the beets to the zing of vinegar and the warmth of ginger, it’s a perfect balance of flavors. Making this relish from scratch is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with comforting, mouth-watering aromas. Whether you’re using it to top a sandwich, serve with cheese, or enjoy with grilled meats, this beetroot relish will never disappoint.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Beetroot Relish?
You’ll need fresh beetroot, onions, sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seeds, and a bit of salt.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Beetroot Relish?
It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to cook and prepare, depending on how long you let it simmer.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Beetroot Relish Ahead Of Time?
Yes, it actually tastes better if you make it a day or two in advance. The flavors have time to develop.