Jalapeño Corn Relish Recipe – Sweet, Spicy

When summer arrives, it’s time to refresh your palate with light, flavorful, and vibrant dishes. And what better way to do so than with a bright and zesty Jalapeño Corn Relish? This delightful condiment is the perfect addition to your summer meals, offering a blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that can elevate everything from grilled meats to tacos or even a simple salad. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick snack to complement your dinner, this relish brings a burst of flavor to the table.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this simple yet impressive relish, explain its many uses, and offer helpful tips to customize it to suit your tastes. Ready to give your summer meals a spicy twist? Let’s dive in!

Why Make Jalapeño Corn Relish?

Jalapeño Corn Relish is the perfect condiment to accompany a wide range of dishes, and here’s why:

• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of crisp corn, sweet bell pepper, spicy jalapeños, and tangy vinegar makes for a relish that’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors.
• Versatile: Use it as a topping for grilled meats, seafood, tacos, or even burgers. It’s also fantastic mixed into salads or served as a dip with tortilla chips.
• Quick and Easy: This relish can be made in under 30 minutes, including chill time. It’s an ideal last-minute addition to any meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Once made, this relish lasts in the fridge for several days, making it a great dish to prepare ahead of time for busy weeks.

Ingredients for Jalapeño Corn Relish

This recipe is simple, but it packs a punch of flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Corn is the base of the relish, providing a sweet, crunchy texture.
• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped: These add a nice spicy kick, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds sweetness and color to the relish.
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Red onion offers a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the corn and bell pepper.
• 1/4 cup white vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the sweetness of the corn and the heat of the jalapeños.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: The sugar enhances the sweetness of the corn and helps balance out the tangy vinegar.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the flavors in the relish.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of pepper adds depth to the flavor.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note that brightens the entire dish.

Instructions: How to Make Jalapeño Corn Relish

Follow these simple steps to make a delicious batch of Jalapeño Corn Relish:

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by gathering all your fresh ingredients. If you’re using frozen corn, be sure to thaw it beforehand. Then, finely chop the jalapeños, red bell pepper, and red onion. The finer you chop the vegetables, the better they’ll mix into the relish and create a more uniform texture.

2. Make the Vinegar Mixture

In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. The vinegar mixture should be hot, but not boiling, just enough to meld the flavors together.

3. Combine Corn and Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, jalapeños, red bell pepper, and red onion. Stir them together until evenly distributed.

4. Pour the Vinegar Mixture

Once the vinegar mixture has dissolved, pour it over the corn and vegetables. Stir everything together so the relish is well coated with the tangy-sweet dressing.

5. Cool and Add Cilantro

Allow the relish to cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cool, stir in the chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Cilantro brings a unique, bright flavor that perfectly complements the relish.

6. Chill and Serve

Cover the relish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the more intense and harmonious the flavors become. Serve it cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Tips for Making the Best Jalapeño Corn Relish

• Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping them. This will reduce the heat without compromising the flavor.
• Use Fresh Corn: While frozen corn works well in a pinch, using fresh, in-season corn will give the relish an extra sweet flavor and crunch.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the relish sit in the fridge for at least two hours, as this allows the vinegar and sugar to penetrate the corn and vegetables, enhancing the flavor.
• Customize Your Veggies: If you’re not a fan of red onion or bell pepper, feel free to swap them out for other veggies like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or even mango for a tropical twist.

Recipe Variations

• Sweet and Spicy: Add a diced mango or pineapple for a tropical, sweet twist. The natural sugars in the fruit will balance the heat from the jalapeños.
• Citrus Twist: Squeeze in some fresh lime or orange juice instead of using white vinegar for a citrusy, tangy flavor.
• Herb Variations: If cilantro isn’t your thing, try using fresh basil, parsley, or mint for a different herbal note.
• Smoky Relish: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the vinegar mixture to give the relish a smoky depth of flavor.

Nutritional Information for Jalapeño Corn Relish

This Jalapeño Corn Relish is not only delicious but also relatively light and healthy, making it a great choice for those looking for a low-calorie, nutritious side dish.

• Calories: 80 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 20g (mostly from the corn)
• Protein: 2g (thanks to the corn)
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 3g (from the corn and vegetables)

This relish is a great source of fiber, and thanks to the fresh veggies and corn, it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can be enjoyed by most dietary needs.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

• Serving: Jalapeño Corn Relish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Use it as a topping for grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a perfect accompaniment to BBQ pork or even roasted vegetables. For a quick and tasty lunch, try it with tacos or mix it into a simple salad.
• Storage: Store the relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, so it tastes even better the second or third day.
• Make Ahead: This relish is a great option for meal prep! You can make it a few days ahead of time, and it’ll be ready to serve whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen corn works well in this recipe, just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before using it.

2. How spicy is this relish?

The relish has a moderate level of spice from the jalapeños, but you can adjust the heat by removing the seeds or using fewer jalapeños if you prefer a milder version.

3. Can I make this relish without vinegar?

While vinegar adds a necessary tangy kick, you can substitute it with fresh lime juice or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Related Recipes

If you love this Jalapeño Corn Relish, you might also enjoy these delicious side dishes:

• Grilled Mango Salsa: A sweet, tangy salsa that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or seafood.
• Spicy Guacamole: A creamy, spicy dip that’s great for summer parties and BBQs.
• Corn and Black Bean Salad: A hearty, refreshing salad that uses corn and black beans as the main ingredients.

Conclusion

This Jalapeño Corn Relish is a simple, yet flavorful dish that brings a burst of summer to your meals. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy, making it an ideal condiment for almost any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, mixing it into a salad, or using it as a topping for tacos, this relish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let us know how it brightens up your next meal!