Spicy & Tangy Pickled Okra Relish: The Ultimate Topping for Burgers and Brats
Looking to elevate your next burger, bratwurst, or hot dog from good to absolutely unforgettable? Look no further! This homemade Pickled Okra Relish is a vibrant explosion of flavor – a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory notes, enhanced by the freshness of tomatoes, sweet corn, crisp onion, and the irresistible smoky richness of bacon. It’s truly a condiment that will transform your favorite grilled foods.
I must admit, my journey with okra wasn’t always a love affair. Growing up, the mere mention of “okra” would usually earn a skeptical side-eye from me. But as I’ve grown, so has my palate, and now I eagerly embrace the chance to try new culinary experiences, especially when they involve beautifully crafted homemade pickled vegetables. Ely Farms Pickled Okra, with its exceptional zest and crisp texture, has certainly converted me into an okra enthusiast, and it’s the star of this incredible relish recipe.
While this pickled okra relish bursts with the quintessential flavors of summer, its ingredients are readily available throughout the year. This means you don’t have to wait for a specific season to enjoy its delightful complexity. Whether it’s peak grilling season or a cozy winter evening, this relish promises to bring a taste of sunshine to your table.
This post is proudly sponsored by Ely Farms. My genuine appreciation for their Nebraska-grown pickled vegetables and all the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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Ely Farms Pickled Okra: A Nebraska Gem
Neal Ely, the visionary owner of Ely Farms, shared with me that growing okra has always been a cherished tradition in his family’s garden. This might come as a pleasant surprise to many Midwesterners, as it certainly did to me! Okra isn’t typically the first vegetable that comes to mind when one thinks of Nebraska produce, but the Ely family has clearly mastered its cultivation and preservation.
The inspiration to add pickled okra to their distinguished collection, which already included their popular Pickled Asparagus and Pickled Green Beans, came from an old family recipe. While they don’t use the exact, original formula, they skillfully developed a strikingly similar recipe that captured the beloved zesty flavor and crisp texture that made “Mom’s killer pickled okra recipe” so famous. This new iteration proved to be such a success that it quickly became a staple in their product line.
Ely Farms’ pickled okra boasts a perfectly zesty flavor profile. The texture is consistently crisp and incredibly refreshing, a testament to their meticulous pickling process. With delightful hints of garlic and dill, complemented by a subtle, yet invigorating “kick” from red hot chili pepper, it creates an addictive taste that will undeniably keep you reaching for more. It’s no wonder this product has garnered such a loyal following.
Nebraska’s Own: A Commitment to Quality and Simplicity
Every single one of Ely Farms’ exceptional products is carefully grown and produced right in Grafton, Nebraska. Their dedication to quality is evident in their transparent approach to ingredients. You won’t find any mysterious additives here; their pickled okra contains only the freshest, most straightforward components: okra, water, vinegar, salt, garlic, jalapeño, and a blend of natural spices. This commitment to simplicity ensures a pure, authentic flavor that truly shines through.
Ely Farms pickled okra is incredibly versatile. It makes an outstanding appetizer on its own, a delightful addition to an hors d’oeuvre platter, or a fantastic condiment to enhance almost any dish. Be warned, however: once you open a jar, it has a remarkable tendency to disappear very, very quickly!
Pickled Okra Relish for Unforgettable Tailgating (or Home-gating!)
When I typically think of okra recipes, traditional Southern dishes like jambalaya and gumbo often come to mind. In fact, my blog features a beloved recipe for a Rustic Harvest Stew that incorporates okra. However, here in Nebraska, especially during the sweltering heat of August, our thoughts usually turn to cooler temperatures and the excitement of Cornhusker Football. This relish, with its vibrant, cooling flavors, is perfectly suited for game day festivities.
While the 2020 football season brought unforeseen changes, postponing Big 10 athletics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our family remained committed to celebrating. We embraced “at-home tailgates,” enjoying classic games from yesteryear and, of course, indulging in delicious food. The essence of tailgating, at its heart, is about bonding with friends and family over shared love for a team and good company – and this relish fits perfectly into that spirit, whether you’re at the stadium or in your backyard.
Crafting Your Pickled Okra Relish: A Symphony of Flavors
What makes this Pickled Okra Relish truly stand out is the careful selection of ingredients, each contributing a unique and dynamic flavor profile. When you use the components I suggest, you’ll find there’s absolutely no need for any additional “dressing” or fussy preparations. Each item brings such robust character on its own, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful relish without any extra effort.
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful concoction:
- Ely Farms Pickled Okra: The foundation of our relish, providing that essential tangy and slightly spicy kick.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Adds a subtle sweetness and smoky depth that beautifully complements the pickled elements.
- Spanish Olives (Pimento Stuffed): Offers a briny, salty counterpoint and a pleasant textural pop.
- Dill Pickles: Contributes classic pickle flavor and a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall tanginess.
- Banana Peppers: Provides a mild, sweet heat and a vibrant color, elevating the relish’s complexity.
- Grape Tomatoes: Bursts of fresh, juicy sweetness that cut through the richness and tang.
- Green Onions: Delivers a mild, fresh onion flavor and a touch of vibrant green.
- Smoked Bacon: The savory, smoky, and crispy element that ties all the flavors together, adding an irresistible richness.
With the exception of the fresh sweet corn, green onions, and grape tomatoes, nearly every other ingredient in this relish is pickled. However, much like Ely Farms, every brand and personal preference has its own take on pickling. Some enjoy a sweeter pickle, others prefer a tart punch, some crave significant spice, while others lean towards milder profiles. The magic of this relish lies in combining all these diverse pickled ideas into one harmonious blend, resulting in a true delight for your taste buds!
Personally, I find a little bit of heat incredibly appealing in pickled vegetables – how about you? That subtle warmth is precisely one of the qualities I adore about Ely Farms’ pickled products, thanks to the red pepper they incorporate. It’s enough to awaken the palate without overpowering the other delicate flavors.
Simple Preparation for Maximum Flavor
While Ely Farms’ okra already provides a lovely warmth, I wanted to introduce a little more heat into the relish itself. I opted for banana peppers, which I absolutely adore and frequently find myself snacking on straight from the jar. I even considered adding some pickled jalapeños for an extra kick, but knowing that some of my family members prefer a milder experience, I decided to omit them. However, if you’re a fan of serious spice, I wholeheartedly recommend adding them – they would undoubtedly make a fantastic addition!
The preparation couldn’t be simpler: just combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Then, the most crucial step for flavor development: pop it into the fridge and let it meld overnight. This resting period allows all the distinct flavors to marry and deepen, resulting in a relish that’s even more complex and delicious the next day.
You’ll find the complete printable recipe with precise measurements and instructions at the very bottom of this post.
The following day, your patience will be richly rewarded! Spoon generous amounts of this incredible relish onto your grilled brats, juicy burgers, or classic hot dogs. The flavors will burst forth, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. As my son enthusiastically declared, “I’d eat that straight out of the bowl like salsa!” And honestly, he’s not wrong – it’s that good on its own, perhaps with some tortilla chips for scooping.
“Get in my belly!”
Discover More Exceptional Ely Farms Products
Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears have a remarkable history, winning a national FFA entrepreneur award. Since their inception in 1999, these pickled asparagus spears have blossomed into a highly acclaimed specialty product across Nebraska, celebrated for their truly unique and delightful taste. They are a personal favorite and a must-try for any pickled vegetable enthusiast.
If you’ve been a longtime reader of my blog, you’ve likely heard me sing their praises before. I even featured them in a spectacular holiday appetizer recipe: Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a testament to the versatility of Ely Farms’ products.
Initially, sales began in their charming hometown of Sutton, Nebraska, but demand has steadily grown, leading their Pickled Asparagus to spread into surrounding regions. Today, you can find Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears in various grocery and specialty stores across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado. For those outside these areas, or for convenient online shopping, their products are available directly on their website, as well as through Buy Nebraska. It’s easier than ever to get your hands on these exceptional pickled delights.
More recently, that same secret family pickling recipe, honed over generations, lent its perfect flavoring to two more outstanding products: Pickled Okra (the star of this relish!) and Pickled Green Beans. I had the pleasure of introducing you to the delicious pickled green beans a couple of months ago, showcasing them in a fantastic recipe for a Kicked-Up Red Beer. These versatile vegetables are truly a pantry essential!
Love It? Pin It for Later!
If this enticing Pickled Okra Relish recipe has captured your imagination, be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave! That way, you can easily find it whenever you’re ready to make this sensational condiment and impress your family and friends. Don’t let this recipe get lost in the scroll!
Win a WHOLE CASE of Ely Farms Products!
Neal Ely is known for his incredible generosity, and he’s extending it once again! He’s giving away another case of his exquisite pickled vegetables to one fortunate winner. Imagine winning 4 jars of each: their celebrated Pickled Asparagus, their tangy Pickled Green Beans, and, of course, their delicious Pickled Okra! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to stock your pantry with these premium, Nebraska-grown delights. Enter below for your chance to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now, let’s get right to the star of the show – the detailed Pickled Okra Relish recipe! 
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Print Recipe
Pickled Okra Relish
Equipment
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Pyrex Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Ely Farms Pickled Okra (Main Ingredient)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Ely Farms Pickled Okra sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled banana peppers chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickle chopped
- 1/4 cup pimento stuffed Spanish olives chopped
- 1 small ear of sweet corn cooked and removed from the cob (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers
- 2 pieces thick smoked bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes halved
Instructions
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Combine all prepared ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, mixing them thoroughly until well combined.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate the relish overnight. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and deepen, enhancing the overall taste.
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Serve chilled as a delicious topping on your favorite brats, hot dogs, or burgers. For a delightful snack, enjoy it straight from the bowl with chips, much like a gourmet salsa!
Notes
Nutrition
