Corn Relish Recipe

Corn relish is a delicious and versatile condiment that can add a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. It has a long history and is enjoyed by many cultures around the world. In this recipe, we will be combining the sweetness of corn, the crunchiness of cabbage, and the tanginess of vinegar to create a mouthwatering corn relish.

Fun fact: Corn relish is a popular summer treat in many Southern states in the United States. It is often served alongside grilled meats, burgers, and hot dogs during summer barbecues.

Ingredients:

- 9 ears of corn, boiled and kernels cut from the cob
- 1 large head of cabbage, finely chopped and salted
- 6 green peppers, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of white mustard seeds
- 3 pints of vinegar
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of turmeric
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of dry mustard

Instructions:

1. Boil the corn: Start by boiling the ears of corn for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender. Once cooked, remove the corn from the cob and set aside.

2. Chop the cabbage: Finely chop the cabbage and sprinkle salt over it. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step will help enhance the texture of the relish.

3. Prepare the peppers: Chop the green peppers into small pieces, removing the seeds and membranes.

4. Prepare the mustard mixture: In a bowl, combine the white mustard seeds, vinegar, sugar, turmeric, cornstarch, and dry mustard. Mix well until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved.

5. Thicken the mustard mixture: Transfer the mustard mixture to a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5 minutes.

6. Strain the cabbage: After the salt has drawn out the moisture from the cabbage, strain it to remove any excess liquid.

7. Combine all the ingredients: In a large pot, add the boiled corn kernels, chopped cabbage, green peppers, and the thickened mustard mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.

8. Heat and seal the relish: Heat the pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the relish is heated throughout. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

9. Sterilize the jars: While the relish is heating, sterilize pint jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Make sure the jars are completely submerged in water to ensure proper sterilization.

10. Fill the jars: Once the relish is hot, carefully ladle it into the sterilized pint jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe any spills or excess relish around the jar rims.

11. Seal the jars: Place the jar lids and rings on the filled jars, ensuring they are tightly sealed. Return the jars to the large pot of boiling water and process for an additional 10 minutes to create a vacuum seal.

12. Cool and store: Remove the jars from the boiling water and let them cool completely. Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place. The corn relish can be stored for up to one year.

Corn relish is a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in various ways:

- As a topping: Use corn relish as a topping for burgers, hot dogs, sausages, sandwiches, or tacos. Its tangy and slightly sweet flavor pairs well with grilled meats.

- In salads: Add corn relish to your salads for an extra pop of flavor. It can provide a refreshing contrast to leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

- With seafood: Corn relish complements seafood dishes, such as grilled fish or shrimp. Its acidity helps cut through the richness of the seafood, creating a well-balanced dish.

- As a dip: Serve corn relish as a dip alongside tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks. It adds a delightful twist to traditional chip and dip platters.

Similar dishes: If you enjoy corn relish, you might also like other relish varieties such as pickle relish, cucumber relish, or onion relish. These relishes are made with similar techniques and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Relishes are a fantastic way to add flavor and zest to your meals. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a unique topping for your sandwiches, or wanting to enhance the flavors of your salads, corn relish is a versatile condiment that will surely delight your taste buds.