Sweet Corn Relish: A Tangy, Honey-Sweetened Recipe for Preserving Summer’s Bounty

Imagine a condiment that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary, a burst of summer sunshine even on the dullest winter day. That’s exactly what homemade sweet corn relish offers. This vibrant, tangy, and subtly sweet condiment is far more than just a topping for hot dogs and burgers; it’s a versatile pantry staple that elevates a vast array of dishes. This particular recipe, lightly sweetened with natural honey (though granulated sugar is a fine substitute), is bursting with complex flavors, rich colors, and the delightful crunchy pop of plump corn kernels. It’s a true relish lover’s dream, a jar of happiness you can savor all year long, bringing the taste of summer harvest to your table whenever you desire. (Skip to recipe.)

Embracing the Joy of Summer Preserving

This summer, I found myself embarking on a preserving spree, a delightful ritual born out of necessity and a deep love for homemade goodness. We’d seemingly emptied our shelves of every last jar of relishes, chutneys, and salsas from previous years, leaving a void that simply had to be filled. What better way to spend long summer days than puttering in the kitchen, surrounded by the fragrant bounty of the garden? There’s an immense satisfaction in processing fresh produce, turning humble vegetables and fruits into glistening jars of flavour. The quiet hum of the water bath canner, the aromatic steam filling the kitchen, and the anticipation of delicious meals to come make preserving a truly rewarding experience. Lining up those jewel-toned jars on the pantry shelves fills me with a unique sense of accomplishment, a promise of bright, flavourful meals to come, long after the last frost has painted the landscape white. It’s a culinary hug, ready and waiting.

From Garden to Jar: The Story Behind This Corn Relish

Our garden truly outdid itself this year, particularly with its incredible corn crop. We’ve savored countless sweet cobs, grilled to perfection, slathered with chili butter, and enjoyed fresh off the stalk. Beyond immediate gratification, I dedicated much time to freezing an abundance of kernels, ensuring a taste of summer well into the colder months. But with one final, generous basket of cobs remaining, a new inspiration struck – the irresistible urge to create a zippy, homemade corn relish. This recipe, a delightful fusion of a simple corn relish I made years ago and my ever-popular zucchini relish, also provided the perfect opportunity to showcase some of our truly spectacular tomatoes. These weren’t just any tomatoes; they were colossal, bursting with incredible sweetness and minimal seeds, grown from special seeds gifted by a friend in Germany. Their prolific yield transformed our greenhouse into a lush, vine-filled haven, truly a sight to behold. Even our corn, despite the early kiss of frost on its leafy tops, delivered a final collection of beautiful, sweet cobs – plump, if a little smaller than earlier harvests, a testament to nature’s resilience and generosity.

The Irresistible Appeal of Homemade Sweet Corn Relish

Homemade sweet corn relish offers a delightful departure from its more common counterparts. The star, of course, is the corn – those plump, crunchy kernels provide an incredible texture, a satisfying ‘pop’ that dances on your palate. Coupled with its signature sweet-sour tang, this relish awakens the senses and adds an unforgettable dimension to any dish. I’ll admit, I’ve been caught sneaking spoonfuls directly from the jar – it’s that good! Unlike many commercially produced relishes, this homemade version boasts a nuanced sweetness, gently imparted by natural honey, rather than overly processed sugars. You won’t find any artificial colors or preservatives here. Instead, it’s a vibrant tapestry of fresh market or garden vegetables, naturally colored with a healthy boost of turmeric, and brimming with antioxidants and fiber. Each spoonful is not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a wholesome addition to your diet – something you can truly feel good about enjoying with your meals.

Beyond the Burger: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Sweet Corn Relish

While sweet corn relish is a quintessential partner for classic hot dogs and juicy burgers, its culinary potential extends far beyond the grill. Its vibrant flavor and delightful texture make it an incredibly versatile condiment ready to elevate countless dishes. Imagine it as a bright accompaniment to all manner of grilled or roasted meats – tender chicken, flaky fish, succulent pork, or robust beef. It’s also superb with hearty meatloaf, on a sophisticated charcuterie board, or simply alongside cold cuts and baked ham. Elevate your breakfast or brunch by spooning it generously over scrambled eggs, incorporating it into a savory omelet, or serving it with a breakfast burrito. For a vibrant Mexican twist, add a generous dollop to tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. Stir it into creamy tuna salad or a vibrant pasta salad for an unexpected burst of flavor and texture. It instantly brightens bean salads or green salads, transforming them from simple sides to exciting culinary creations. For ultimate comfort, pile some into a steaming baked potato, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese. Don’t forget sandwiches and wraps – a spoonful adds a delightful zing and moisture. You can even mix it with cream cheese for a quick and easy dip or spread for crackers. Get creative; let this versatile, ‘corny’ delight inspire your culinary adventures and become a secret weapon in your kitchen!

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Kitchen Frau Notes: This recipe calls for honey for a light, natural sweetness, which also adds a subtle depth of flavor. However, if honey is not available or you prefer a different profile, you can easily substitute granulated sugar. When preparing the vegetables, ensure they are diced to a consistent size for even cooking and an appealing texture in the finished relish. The key to excellent relish lies in fresh, high-quality ingredients, so use the best corn, peppers, and tomatoes you can find, ideally from your garden or a local market.

Sweet Corn Relish Recipe

This recipe yields approximately 7 pints (500ml jars) or 14 half-pints (250ml jars), making it perfect for sharing or stocking your pantry.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups (2 litres / 1400gms) fresh corn kernels, cut from the cobs (approximately 10 to 12 medium cobs)
• 4 cups (700gms) onions, minced (using a food processor works wonderfully for this)
• 4 cups (900gms / 2lbs) diced fresh tomatoes with their juices (no need to peel them)
• 2 cups (300gms) finely diced red bell peppers
• 2 cups (300gms) finely diced green bell peppers
• 2½ cups (600ml) apple cider vinegar or white distilled vinegar, divided
• 1 cup (340gms) honey (alternatively, use 1½ cups / 300gms natural evaporated cane sugar for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons whole yellow mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Begin by combining the prepared corn kernels, minced onions, diced tomatoes, and both red and green bell peppers in a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot.
2. Add 2¼ cups (540ml) of the vinegar to the pot (remember to reserve the remaining ¼ cup / 60ml of vinegar for later, to mix with the cornstarch). Stir in the honey (or sugar), whole mustard seeds, ground turmeric, sea salt, black pepper, celery seeds, and ground cumin.
3. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady simmer, and cook the relish mixture, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the liquid will reduce somewhat, and the relish will begin to thicken slightly. Stir frequently, especially during the last 10 minutes of cooking, to prevent sticking or burning.
4. While the relish is simmering, prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, thoroughly stir the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into the reserved ¼ cup (60ml) of vinegar until smooth and no lumps remain.
5. Once the relish has cooked for the recommended time and reduced, pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering relish mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the relish has visibly thickened to your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the relish will thicken further as it cools.
6. Carefully ladle the hot relish into clean, sterilized pint canning jars or half-pint jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace.
7. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a proper seal. Place hot, sterilized snap lids on top of each jar, then screw on the lid rings until they are finger-tight (do not overtighten).
8. Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. For detailed instructions on how to sterilize canning jars and how to properly process jars in a water bath, please refer to our comprehensive guide.
9. Once processed, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool undisturbed on a clean towel on your countertop for 12-24 hours. Check for seals; lids should be concave and not flex when pressed. Store properly sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.

Guten Appetit! Enjoy this wonderful homemade sweet corn relish!

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You might also like these other delightful preserving recipes:

Sweet ‘n’ Tangy Zucchini Relish

Zucchini Salsa

Peach-Pear Chutney

Peach Salsa