This tomato and red onion relish is packed with sweet, tangy flavour and is the perfect way to add a little something extra to all kinds of meals. It's quick to make with simple ingredients and keeps well in the fridge, so you can always have a jar ready to enjoy.
I love a big spoonful of this with my eggs in the morning or served alongside bacon and sausages for breakfast. It's also delicious with burgers, grilled chicken, steak or pork, and if you like a little heat, you can easily add some chilli to give it a spicy kick.
Calories in Tomato Red Onion Relish
This recipe serves 4 and is 48 calories per serving
If you're looking for more recipes by calories, you'll find plenty of options grouped by calorie range here: Slimming Eats Low Calorie Recipes
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Olive Oil Spray: Used to soften the onion and garlic with minimal oil. You can substitute with a small drizzle of olive oil if preferred.
- Fresh Tomatoes: I used Roma tomatoes as they have a lovely sweet flavour and fewer seeds, but any ripe, flavourful tomatoes will work. Peeling them gives the relish a smoother texture, but if you don't mind a more rustic finish, you can leave the skins on.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and colour that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavour. Crush or finely mince the cloves before adding.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Brings a rich tangy sweetness that balances the tomatoes beautifully.
- Cinnamon: adds warmth and depth to the relish
- Maple Syrup Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste at the end of cooking. The exact amount will depend on the sweetness and acidity of your tomatoes.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
Variations and Substitutes
This relish is easy to adapt to suit your taste or make use of ingredients you already have on hand.
- Add some heat: Stir in a finely chopped fresh chilli, jalapeño or a pinch of chilli flakes for a spicy version.
- Add peppers: Finely diced red, yellow or orange bell peppers add extra sweetness, colour and texture.
- Sweetcorn: Stir in some cooked sweetcorn towards the end of cooking for little bursts of sweetness that pair beautifully with grilled meats and burgers.
- Swap the sweetener: Use honey or maple syrup depending on what you have on hand. Brown sugar also works well.
- Try different onions: Red onion gives the best flavour and colour, but a white, brown or sweet onion can be used instead.
- Use different tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are ideal, but vine tomatoes, plum tomatoes or other ripe varieties will all work. Just keep in mind that juicier tomatoes may need a little longer to cook down.
- Add herbs: Fresh thyme cooks well with the relish, while chopped basil, parsley or coriander (cilantro) can be stirred through just before serving for a fresh finish.
- Boost the spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, ground cumin, allspice or a little black pepper for a different flavour profile.
- Add extra tang: A splash of red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used alongside or instead of some of the balsamic vinegar.
- Make it chunkier or smoother: Leave the tomatoes in larger pieces for a rustic relish or cook a little longer and mash slightly for a softer consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato and red onion relish is incredibly versatile and can be served warm or cold with all kinds of dishes.
- Spoon over fried, poached or scrambled eggs for a flavour-packed breakfast.
- Serve alongside bacon, sausages or a full cooked breakfast.
- Add to burgers, hot dogs or sandwiches for a sweet and tangy topping.
- Enjoy with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops or lamb.
- Spoon over grilled or baked fish for a fresh burst of flavour.
- Serve with cheese and crackers or add to a ploughman's-style lunch.
- Use as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Add to wraps, tacos or burritos for extra flavour.
- Pair with BBQ dishes at summer cookouts and picnics.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating
To Store: Once cooled, transfer the relish to a clean, airtight container or sterilised jar and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
To Freeze: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or silicone portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
To Serve Again: This relish is delicious served cold straight from the fridge or gently warmed in a small saucepan or microwave until heated through. Give it a good stir before serving, as some liquid may separate during storage.
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Recipe Card
Tomato and Red Onion Relish
This easy tomato and red onion relish is sweet, tangy and packed with flavour, making it the perfect accompaniment to everything from breakfasts and burgers to grilled meats and sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 455g (1lb) of fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (peel with a serrated peeler if you prefer peeled)
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
- olive oil spray
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over a medium-high heat and spray with olive oil spray.
- Add the red onion and garlic and fry for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, grated ginger and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the relish has thickened.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Allow to cool, then transfer to a lidded jar or airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- Gluten Free/Dairy Free Friendly
- Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly - see storing, freezing and reheating section
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1 BATCHAmount Per Serving Calories 48Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 8mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 2gSugar 7gProtein 1g
Nutritional information and valuesetc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
Michelle says
Hi I'd love to make this relish but don't have any maple syrup, could I use runny honey instead? Wanted to put five stars but it wouldn't let me so here's the other one ⭐️
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
Hi Michelle - yes Honey will work fine 🙂
Liz says
I made this recipe but used honey instead of maple syrup. It was so good ☺
I just wanted to ask how long it woyld keep in the fridge
Thanks
Fiona says
Hello!
I have to say the relish is divine! How long do you think it would keep for?
Many thanks
Fiona
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
Hi Fiona, it will keep for a about a week in the fridge if not using a proper jarring/sterilizing method.
Nicky Burwood says
Hi I'm looking to make the tomato relish how long will it last in the fridge please
Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says
It should keep about 5-7 days without proper sterilizing for jarring.
Michele says
Absolutely delicious on scrambled
eggs!!!