Tomato Relish with Finger Lime and Chilli
A tangy and spicy Australian tomato relish featuring zesty finger lime pearls and fresh red chilli to brighten sandwiches and grilled meats. This australian-inspired quick meals ready in about 55 minutes pairs medium, finely diced red onion, seeded and finely chopped red chilli, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 40 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 large (about 2 lbs), chopped ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium, finely diced red onion
- 1, seeded and finely chopped red chilli
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp (optional for garnish) finger lime pearls
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 6 chopped large ripe tomatoes, 1 finely diced medium red onion, and 1 finely chopped red chilli in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the relish thickens and the tomatoes break down.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Step 5: Just before serving, stir in or top with 2 tbsp finger lime pearls to add bursts of citrus flavor and a unique texture.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato Relish with Finger Lime and Chilli take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tomato Relish with Finger Lime and Chilli?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown sugar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato Relish with Finger Lime and Chilli?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tomato Relish with Finger Lime and Chilli for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Tomato Relish with Finger Lime and Chilli?
Australian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
