Sweet and Tangy Corn Relish II: A Summer Staple Recipe
Corn relish is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This recipe for Corn Relish II builds upon traditional versions, adding a unique twist and depth of flavor that will elevate your summer meals. Whether you’re grilling burgers, topping tacos, or simply looking for a delicious side dish, this corn relish is sure to be a hit. This version is slightly different, focusing on a more pronounced sweet and tangy flavor profile, offering a delightful contrast to savory dishes. Get ready to enjoy the freshest flavors of the season with this easy-to-make and incredibly versatile corn relish!
## What is Corn Relish?
Corn relish is a pickled or preserved relish made primarily from corn kernels. It typically includes other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spices, all simmered in a vinegar-based brine. The result is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment that’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes. Corn relish can be enjoyed immediately, or it can be canned for long-term storage, allowing you to savor the taste of summer throughout the year.
## Why This Corn Relish II Recipe is Special
This particular recipe, Corn Relish II, stands out because it balances the sweetness of the corn with a more assertive tang from the vinegar and a hint of warmth from spices. It’s not overly sweet like some commercial relishes can be, and the combination of textures and flavors makes it incredibly addictive. The addition of certain spices gives it a unique and memorable taste.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather all your ingredients. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are key to achieving the best flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Corn:** 8 cups fresh corn kernels (about 10-12 ears). Fresh corn is highly recommended. If fresh corn is not available, you can use frozen corn kernels, thawed and drained well.
* **Bell Peppers:** 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced. Using different colored bell peppers not only adds flavor but also visual appeal.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, diced. Yellow onion provides a good balance of flavor without being too overpowering. You can substitute with white onion if needed.
* **Jalapeño Pepper:** 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely minced (optional, for heat). Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice preference. Remember to wear gloves when handling jalapeños.
* **Sugar:** 1 cup granulated sugar. Sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the sweetness of the corn. Adjust to taste if needed.
* **Vinegar:** 1 ½ cups white vinegar. White vinegar provides the necessary acidity for preserving the relish and giving it its characteristic tang. You can use apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Water:** ½ cup water. Water helps to dilute the vinegar and sugar mixture, preventing it from becoming too concentrated.
* **Celery Seed:** 1 tablespoon celery seed. Celery seed adds a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
* **Mustard Seed:** 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seed. Mustard seed provides a mild, pungent flavor that adds depth to the relish.
* **Turmeric:** 1 teaspoon ground turmeric. Turmeric adds a warm, earthy flavor and a beautiful golden color to the relish.
* **Salt:** 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and acts as a preservative.
* **Black Pepper:** 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to the relish.
* **Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.** Cilantro adds a fresh, bright flavor.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking the relish.
* Cutting board and knife: For chopping vegetables.
* Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
* Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula: For stirring the relish.
* Canning jars and lids (optional): For preserving the relish.
* Jar lifter (optional): For safely handling hot jars.
* Canning funnel (optional): For easily filling jars.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on making this delicious Corn Relish II!
**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**
* If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and remove the silk. Cut the kernels off the cob. A good trick is to stand the ear of corn upright in a large bowl and run a sharp knife down the sides to remove the kernels. This will prevent the kernels from scattering everywhere.
* Dice the red and green bell peppers into small, even pieces. Aim for roughly the same size as the corn kernels.
* Dice the yellow onion into small, even pieces.
* If using jalapeño peppers, carefully remove the seeds and membranes (wear gloves!) and finely mince the pepper.
* If using cilantro, chop it finely.
**Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Pot**
* In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the corn kernels, diced bell peppers, diced onion, and minced jalapeño (if using).
* Add the sugar, white vinegar, water, celery seed, mustard seed, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
* Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
**Step 3: Cook the Relish**
* Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
* Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the relish has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
* During simmering, taste the relish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper for flavor.
**Step 4: Add Cilantro (Optional)**
* If using fresh cilantro, stir it into the relish during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
**Step 5: Canning (Optional)**
* If you want to preserve the relish for later use, you can can it using standard canning procedures. If you plan to eat the relish within a week or two, you can skip this step and simply store it in the refrigerator.
**How to Can Corn Relish:**
1. **Prepare the Jars:** Wash canning jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Keep the jars hot until ready to fill.
2. **Fill the Jars:** Using a jar lifter, carefully remove a hot jar from the boiling water. Place a canning funnel on top of the jar. Ladle the hot corn relish into the jar, leaving ½ inch of headspace (the space between the top of the relish and the rim of the jar).
3. **Remove Air Bubbles:** Run a non-metallic utensil (like a wooden skewer) around the inside of the jar to release any trapped air bubbles.
4. **Wipe the Rim:** Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean, damp cloth to remove any food residue.
5. **Place the Lid and Ring:** Place a lid on top of the jar and screw on a canning ring until it is finger-tight (not too tight).
6. **Process in a Water Bath Canner:** Place the filled jars in a boiling water bath canner. Ensure the jars are completely covered with water by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process for 15 minutes for pint jars (adjust processing time for larger jars and higher altitudes, consult a reputable canning resource).
7. **Cool the Jars:** Turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes before removing them. Carefully remove the jars and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool completely. Do not disturb the jars while they are cooling.
8. **Check the Seals:** After the jars have cooled completely (usually 12-24 hours), check the seals. The lid should be concave and should not flex when pressed in the center. If a jar did not seal properly, store it in the refrigerator and use the relish within a few weeks, or reprocess it with a new lid.
**Step 6: Cool and Store**
* If not canning, allow the relish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the relish in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Canned relish can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
## Tips for the Best Corn Relish
* **Use Fresh Corn:** Fresh corn provides the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh corn, frozen corn is a good substitute, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Be careful not to overcook the relish, as the vegetables can become mushy. Simmering until the vegetables are tender-crisp is ideal.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Acidity:** Taste the relish as it cooks and adjust the sweetness and acidity to your liking. You can add more sugar for a sweeter relish or more vinegar for a tangier relish.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a spicier relish, add more jalapeño peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Let it Sit:** For the best flavor, let the relish sit in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
* **Proper Canning is Crucial:** If canning, always follow safe canning practices to prevent spoilage. Consult a reputable canning resource for detailed instructions and processing times.
## Serving Suggestions
Corn Relish II is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **As a Topping:** Top grilled burgers, hot dogs, sausages, or chicken with corn relish.
* **In Salads:** Add corn relish to potato salad, pasta salad, or quinoa salad for a burst of flavor and texture.
* **With Tacos and Burritos:** Use corn relish as a filling or topping for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
* **As a Dip:** Serve corn relish with tortilla chips or crackers as a flavorful dip.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve corn relish as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.
* **In Sandwiches:** Add corn relish to sandwiches for extra flavor and crunch.
* **With Eggs:** Top scrambled eggs or omelets with corn relish.
* **On Bruschetta:** Spread corn relish on toasted baguette slices for a delicious appetizer.
## Variations
* **Spicy Corn Relish:** Add more jalapeño peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier relish.
* **Smoked Corn Relish:** Grill or smoke the corn before cutting the kernels off the cob for a smoky flavor.
* **Sweet Corn Relish:** Add more sugar for a sweeter relish.
* **Herbaceous Corn Relish:** Add other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for a more complex flavor.
* **Fruit Corn Relish:** Add diced peaches, mangoes, or pineapple for a fruity twist.
* **Roasted Corn Relish:** Roast the corn in the oven until slightly charred before making the relish for a deeper, more complex flavor.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* Serving Size: 1/4 cup
* Calories: 75
* Total Fat: 0g
* Saturated Fat: 0g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 150mg
* Total Carbohydrate: 18g
* Dietary Fiber: 2g
* Sugars: 12g
* Protein: 1g
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen corn, but fresh corn will provide the best flavor and texture. Thaw the frozen corn completely and drain off any excess water before using it.
**Q: How long does corn relish last?**
A: Freshly made corn relish will last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Canned corn relish can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
**Q: Can I make corn relish without jalapeños?**
A: Yes, you can omit the jalapeños if you don’t want a spicy relish.
**Q: Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?**
A: Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
**Q: Do I need to sterilize the jars before canning?**
A: Yes, it’s important to sterilize the jars to ensure proper preservation and prevent spoilage.
**Q: What if my relish is too sweet or too tangy?**
A: You can adjust the sweetness and acidity by adding more sugar or vinegar to taste.
**Q: Can I freeze corn relish?**
A: While you *can* freeze corn relish, the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing, becoming a bit softer. For the best texture and flavor, canning is the preferred method of long-term preservation. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace for expansion.
## Conclusion
Corn Relish II is a delightful and versatile condiment that’s perfect for adding a burst of summer flavor to your meals. Whether you’re grilling, topping, or dipping, this relish is sure to impress. With its sweet and tangy taste, vibrant colors, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the taste of summer all year long!