Corn relish is a traditional Southern recipe made with whole corn kernels, red and green bell peppers, onions, and a sweet-and-tangy vinegar mixture. It makes a colorful and flavorful side dish or garnish that pairs especially well with hearty meat-and-potato meals.
During the winter months, canned corn relish can be taken from the pantry and served at the table alongside traditional meals. In the South, it was often enjoyed with ham and boiled potatoes.
Corn Relish
Ingredients
- 2 quarts corn 12–15 ears
- 1 pint sweet red peppers diced
- 1 pint green peppers diced
- 1 cup onion sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 quart vinegar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 teaspoons celery seed
- 2 tablespoons dry mustard
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- If using fresh corn: Remove the husks and silks. Place the ears in boiling water and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the corn and plunge it into cold water. Drain well, then cut the kernels from the cobs. Do not scrape the cobs. Measure out 2 quarts of corn.
- If using frozen or canned corn: Measure out 2 quarts of corn.
- In a large pot, combine the red peppers, green peppers, onion, sugar, vinegar, salt, and celery seed. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the dry mustard and flour. Blend in the water until smooth.
- Add the corn and the mustard-flour mixture to the pepper mixture. Stir well and boil for 5 minutes.
- Pack the hot relish into clean, hot pint jars, leaving ½ inch of headspace. Adjust the lids and process the jars in a boiling-water bath for 10 minutes, making sure the water covers the jars. Complete the seal according to your canning method.
- For additional yellow color, mix 1 teaspoon turmeric with the mustard and flour before adding it to the relish.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Art of Cooking Recipes (Paulson Pursuits} is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
