Bush Tomatoes are a small, uniquely flavoured berries related to the tomato plant. They are a native Australian ingredient that have an intense, earthy, caramel-tomato flavour. 

This relish captures that unique native flavour. It works really well with meats, pies, salads and a whole host of other savoury things you could dream up. It essence it can be used as a replacement of your more standard tomato or chilli relish.

Australian bush tomatoes, also known as desert raisins or bush sultanas, are small, round fruits that grow on a variety of native Australian plants. These tomatoes are typically found in arid regions and have been used by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years as a food source and for medicinal purposes. Here are some key aspects of Australian bush tomatoes:

Appearance and flavour: Australian bush tomatoes are small, approximately the size of a raisin, and range in colour from pale yellow to deep red when ripe. They have a tart and slightly sweet flavour with a hint of smokiness. The taste can vary depending on the specific species and growing conditions.

Culinary uses: Australian bush tomatoes are valued for their unique flavour profile and are used as an ingredient in various culinary creations. They can be dried and added to dishes such as sauces, stews, chutneys, and marinades to impart their distinct tangy and smoky flavor. They are often rehydrated before use to soften their texture.

Nutritional value: Bush tomatoes are known to be a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and lycopene, which contribute to their health benefits. They also contain minerals such as potassium, iron, and magnesium.

Indigenous cultural significance: Australian bush tomatoes have a rich cultural significance for Indigenous Australians, who have used them as a staple food source for generations. They hold deep knowledge about the harvesting, preparation, and traditional uses of bush tomatoes. In recent years, there has been an increased appreciation for Indigenous ingredients and culinary traditions, leading to a wider recognition of bush tomatoes in the culinary world.

Availability: Fresh Australian bush tomatoes can be challenging to find outside of their native regions due to their limited cultivation and the fact that they are primarily harvested from the wild. However, dried bush tomatoes and products derived from bush tomatoes, such as sauces or powders, can often be found in specialty stores or online, allowing people to enjoy their unique flavours and incorporate them into their cooking

Bush Tomato and Chilli Relish

Recipe by Jeff Simonetta

0.0 from 0 votes

Difficulty: Easy

Servings

Adjust servings

+

–

10

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

Metric US

• 2 each 2 each chillies finely sliced

• 6 each 6 each Bush Tomatoes reconstituted

• 4 each 4 each tomatoes peeled and diced (how to peel see tips)

• 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic finely sliced

• 2 tbsp 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 4 tbsp 4 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 small 1 small red onion finely sliced

• 3 tbsp 3 tbsp olive oil

• Dash Dash soy sauce

• Salt/pepper

Directions

• To make this relish, heat the oil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
• Add the onions, chillies and tomatoes reduce the heat to medium, and cook until tomatoes are mushy.
• Add the garlic, soy, salt, pepper and the sugar, and let the sugar dissolve.
• Add the vinegar cook for a further 8 – 10 minutes on low heat.
• This can be stored in a sterilised jar or air tight container for many weeks.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @AustralianFlavours.com.au on Instagram and hashtag it with #AustralianFlavours