Red-Hot Corn Relish
A vibrant, spicy relish combining sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, perfect for adding zest to summer dishes or serving as a tangy condiment. Suitable for picnics and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 cups whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 4 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 4 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 large green peppers, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 4 cups thinly chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 3 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon celery seed ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red peppers ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon turmeric ⓘ
- 4 cups cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup hot pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the hot relish into sterilized pint jars.
- Seal the jars and let them cool before storing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, adjust the crushed red peppers according to your heat preference. If fresh corn isn't available, frozen corn works well as a substitute. You can also use yellow or red bell peppers instead of green for added sweetness. Ensure your jars are properly sterilized to prolong shelf life and maintain freshness. This relish is a great way to use up summer produce.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant corn relish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it an excellent topping for burgers or hot dogs. It can also be served alongside Jennie'S Hasty Pudding or as a condiment for tacos and sandwiches. Consider serving it with tortilla chips for a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed pint jars of corn relish in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the relish in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to a month. For reheating, simply scoop out the desired amount and warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or vinegar if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red-Hot Corn Relish contains roughly 287 calories, with 12g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (168% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1709mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this relish in advance?
Yes, this corn relish can be made several weeks in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it a great option for meal prep or summer gatherings. Just ensure proper canning techniques are followed to maintain safety and quality.
What can I use instead of cider vinegar?
If you don't have cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or white distilled vinegar can be used as substitutes. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they work well in preserving the relish and enhancing its tanginess.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the relish?
To adjust the sweetness, simply increase or decrease the amount of sugar. If you prefer a less sweet relish, start with 2 cups of sugar and taste as you cook, adding more as needed to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the heat from the peppers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).