Corn Relish: A Sweet and Tangy Summer Treat
Corn relish is a delightful way to preserve the sweetness and freshness of summer corn. This vibrant condiment adds a burst of flavor to hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and even grilled meats. It's also a fantastic addition to cheese boards and charcuterie platters.
Here's a tried-and-true recipe for canning corn relish:
Ingredients:
- 8 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears of corn)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
- Shuck and clean the corn ears.
- Remove the kernels using a sharp knife or a corn scraper. You can use the back of a spoon, too!
- Cook the corn if you prefer a softer texture. Simmer for 5-10 minutes in a pot of boiling water. Drain and cool.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large saucepan, combine the corn kernels, chopped onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
- Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, celery seed, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the relish has thickened.
3. Can the Relish:
- Sterilize jars and lids by boiling them for 10 minutes.
- Fill the sterilized jars with the hot relish, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace.
- Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth.
- Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening them securely.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
- Remove jars from the boiling water bath and let them cool completely.
- Check the seals to ensure they are airtight. The lids should be concave, indicating a good seal.
Tips for Delicious Corn Relish:
- Fresh corn is best, but you can use frozen corn if necessary.
- Adjust the spices to your taste.
- Add other vegetables, such as diced red onion, jalapeno peppers, or even a bit of chopped cilantro for a more complex flavor.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness of homemade corn relish!
