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Fresh Midwest Harvest Festival Sweet Corn Relish Recipe

sweet corn relish - featured image

An easy homemade sweet corn relish bursting with fresh fall flavors, perfect for snacks, sides, and gatherings. This recipe features blanched sweet corn, crisp peppers, and a tangy vinegar dressing with a hint of smoked paprika and honey.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (about 6 large ears), blanched
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup/agave for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon celery seed

Instructions

  1. Husk the ears and remove the silk. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the kernels off the cob to yield about 4 cups (600 grams).
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the corn kernels and blanch for 2 minutes to soften slightly but keep crunch. Immediately drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  3. Finely dice the red and green bell peppers and chop the red onion into small pieces.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, honey, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and celery seed until sugar dissolves completely.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the blanched corn, chopped peppers, and onion. Pour the dressing over and gently fold everything together using a spatula or large spoon, being careful not to mash the corn.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld and intensify. Overnight resting is preferred.
  7. Before serving, stir gently and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt or honey if needed.

Notes

Use fresh, in-season corn for best flavor and texture. Blanching the corn is crucial to soften it slightly while preserving crunch. Letting the relish rest in the fridge for at least an hour (preferably overnight) enhances the flavor. For a spicy variation, add jalapeño or red pepper flakes. Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet corn relish, fall snacks, homemade relish, Midwest harvest, easy relish recipe, corn relish, fall recipes, gluten-free relish, vegan relish