Lemon Relish Recipes

CHERRY-LEMON RELISH

Steps:

• Combine the zest of 2 lemons (in wide strips), 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cinnamon stick in a pot over medium heat; bring to a simmer and cook until the zest is slightly translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Strain; reserve the lemon zest and syrup and discard the cinnamon stick. Put the lemon zest in a food processor; add 1 1/2 pounds frozen cherries (thawed and drained) and a pinch of salt. Pulse, adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the sugar syrup to loosen. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice.

MEYER-LEMON RELISH

Steps:

• Cut lemons lengthwise into eighths; remove seeds. Thinly slice crosswise into pieces (you should have about 1 1/2 cups).
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add fennel, onion, fennel seeds, and a large pinch of salt. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is softened and just beginning to turn golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Add lemons, honey, and 1/3 cup water. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil; cook until reduced to a jammy consistency and liquid is almost completely evaporated, 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a bowl; let cool completely. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

THE BEST RELISH I'VE EVER HAD

Steps:

• Grate the cucumbers and onions into a large bowl using the large holes of a box grater. Sprinkle the pickling salt over the top. Cover tightly, and allow to rest at room temperature overnight.
• Squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the cucumber mixture; set aside. Whisk together the sugar, flour, turmeric, ginger, and celery seed. Heat the vinegar and water in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Whisk in the sugar mixture until smooth. Stir in the cucumber mixture. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 15 minutes.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the relish into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process pint jars for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

CHERRY-LEMON RELISH

Steps:

• Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, gently peel off the rind of both lemons, being sure to not include any of the white pithy parts. Add the lemon peels, water, sugar, and the cinnamon stick to a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lemon peels are tender and slightly translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes. Strain the lemon peels, discard the cinnamon stick and reserve the liquid in a measuring cup.
• In a food processor add the cherries, lemon peels, and a tiny pinch of salt, to taste. Pulse while slowly adding the reserved liquid, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup, until the consistency of cranberry sauce or relish is achieved. Use the remaining reserved liquid to flavor iced tea, if desired. Taste and add fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness. Spoon the relish into a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

COD WITH POTATOES AND PRESERVED LEMON RELISH

Steps:

• Bring onion, garlic, lemongrass, thyme, peppercorns, and milk to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes. Strain infused milk into a medium saucepan. Discard solids.
• Meanwhile, cook potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, 25-30 minutes. Drain, then peel potatoes and coarsely mash in a large bowl with 1/4 cup oil; season with salt.
• Bring infused milk just to a boil. Add cod, reduce heat, and simmer until flesh begins to flake and is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove cod with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate.
• Combine preserved lemon, chives, lemon juice, paprika, and remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a small bowl; season relish with salt.
• Mix 1/4 cup infused milk into potatoes. Place cod over potatoes; spoon relish over.
• DO AHEAD: Relish can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

FISH WITH LEMON-PARSLEY RELISH

Steps:

• With a sharp knife, cut off top and bottom of lemon, then slice away peel and white pith. Cut out lemon segments and chop; transfer to a small bowl. Squeeze juice from membranes into bowl. Stir in parsley, 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, and capers, if using; season relish with salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Add shallot and cook until softened, 2 to 4 minutes. Gradually add spinach and cook, tossing, until just wilted, 4 to 6 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm. Wipe skillet clean.
• Season fish with salt and pepper. Fold each fillet into thirds. Place fish in skillet and pour in wine; bring to a boil over high. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until fish is just opaque, 4 to 6 minutes. Serve with lemon-parsley relish and spinach.

ROASTED SALMON WITH LEMON RELISH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spread pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven, tossing occasionally, until lightly golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from sheet, and reserve.
• Meanwhile, place raisins and lemon zest in a small bowl; cover with boiling water. Set aside.
• Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet used in step 1; season with salt and pepper. Roast until salmon is opaque throughout, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, drain and discard liquid from raisins and lemon zest. Return raisins and zest to bowl; add lemon juice, pine nuts, parsley, and oil. Season with salt and pepper; stir to combine.
• Dividing evenly, make a bed of spinach on each of 4 plates, place salmon fillet on spinach; spoon lemon relish over the top.

LEMONY CRANBERRY RELISH

Steps:

• Rinse and drain the cranberries, then pick out and discard any squishy ones. In a food processor, pulse the cranberries, lemon, sugar and salt until finely chopped. You can serve this immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 48 hours, or until ready to serve. As it sits, the sugar will dissolve and the fruit will release liquid, creating a sweet-tart sauciness.