Fresh Corn Relish with Cider Vinegar

Prep: 10 minCook: 15 min255 servingsmediumBritish
Fresh Corn Relish with Cider Vinegar

Bright, tangy relish made with fresh corn kernels, shallots, and red chilli, simmered in cider vinegar and caster sugar. The corn becomes golden and tender while the sauce reduces to coat each kernel. Optional fresh coriander adds herbaceous depth. Pairs well with grilled meats and sausages.

Ingredients

255 servings
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil
    olive oil1:1fat

    adds fruity notes

    Full guide →
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 7 oz fresh corn, kernels from cobs
  • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
    jalapeño1:1heat

    milder heat level

    Full guide →
  • 5 tbsp cider vinegar
    white wine vinegar1:1acidic

    similar brightness

    Full guide →
  • cups superfine sugar
    honey0.75:1sweetener

    reduces acidity balance slightly

    Full guide →
  • ½ tsp dry mustard powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • coriander leaves, finely chopped(optional)
    parsley1:1herb

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the oil in a saucepan.

  2. 2

    Add the chopped shallot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir in the corn, red chilli, cider vinegar, superfine sugar, dry mustard powder, and salt.

  4. 4

    Bring to the boil, then cook until the corn is golden and the sauce coats the kernels, about 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Stir in the fresh coriander if using.

  6. 6

    Leave to cool before serving.

Tips

Tip 1

For a chunkier relish, leave some corn kernels whole rather than fully breaking them down during cooking.

Tip 2

Store in sterilized jars for extended shelf life if canning.

Good to Know

Storage

Cool completely, then transfer to airtight jars. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, follow proper canning procedures using sterilized jars.

Make Ahead

Prepare up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Flavors develop and improve with time.

Serve With

Serve alongside grilled hot dogs, burgers, or pork chops. Also suitable with sausages or roasted chicken.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not skip the cooling step or the relish will taste overly vinegary; cooling allows flavors to mellow and balance.

Watch

Avoid overcooking the corn as it will become mushy and lose its bright color.

Substitutions

cider vinegar
white wine vinegar1:1acidic

similar brightness

Full guide →
caster sugar
honey0.75:1sweetener

reduces acidity balance slightly

Full guide →
red chilli
jalapeño1:1heat

milder heat level

Full guide →
vegetable oil
olive oil1:1fat

adds fruity notes

Full guide →
coriander
parsley1:1herb

different flavor profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →