This Homemade Corn Relish is sweet, tangy, and perfect for adding a bright pop of flavor to just about anything! You'll love tossing this flavorful, veggie-packed topping on veggie burgers, baked potatoes, salads, and more. Easy, vegan, and zesty - this Corn Relish is a must-save recipe to add a little zing to your next meal!
I discovered corn relish last year, when I ordered a beet burger on the road that came with corn relish on top. I was instantly hooked by the sweet but tangy topping! Immediately I started recreating it at home, and now this homemade version is a staple in my kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's got bright, fresh flavor! This Corn Relish is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. The corn makes it scream summer!
- This Corn Relish is super versatile! It's delicious on everything from burgers to Buddha bowls.
- It's sweetened with pure maple syrup, making it a more wholesome choice! Pure maple syrup is less processed than typical white sugar, which is often found in relishes and condiments. We are also tossing in some extra veggies for good measure!
Key Ingredients
- Corn: Sweet, juicy, and the star of this recipe. Fresh corn is best, but you can also thaw a bag of frozen corn for this if you'd prefer!
- Bell pepper, tomato, onion, and celery: To add crunch, color, and to make up a savory base that balances out the sweet corn.
- Jalapeño: To add a slight spicy kick.
- Vinegars & spices: For a tangy bite!
- Maple syrup: A more wholesome sweetener that gives our relish a sweet-and-savory flavor.
- Cornstarch: This thickens our relish to give us our desired consistency.
How to Make Homemade Corn Relish
As always, keep scrolling for the full Corn Relish recipe. But here is a quick overview!
- Combine all ingredients except for cornstarch in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Mix together cornstarch and a bit of water to create a slurry. Add to the pot.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, while the relish thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room tempetature.
- Serve and enjoy on whatever you wish!
Recipe Tips
- This recipe does not include full canning instructions, as this is not my area of expertise. Because it is not canned, this Corn Relish should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just keep in mind that it won't have the same extended shelf life that traditional canning provides and is best enjoyed within several days for optimal freshness..
- I highly recommend using fresh corn if you can as it brings the most flavor! However, frozen also works if that's easier for you. Just thaw it just before using!
Serving Suggestions
- This relish is incredibly versatile! Use it as a topping for Black Bean Burgers or Chickpea Veggie Burgers, veggie dogs, baked potatoes, wraps, salads, or even spooned over bruschetta for a flavorful twist. It's the perfect way to add a sweet and tangy pop of flavor!
Substitutions & Variations
- Want a spicy kick? Add extra jalapeños or mix in your favorite hot peppers for more heat.
- Prefer a sweeter flavor? Use a little more maple syrup to boost the natural sweetness and balance the tangy vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this Homemade Corn Relish is mostly whole food plant based! It uses simple, minimally processed ingredients. If you're comfortable with pure maple syrup and cornstarch, which are generally accepted as WFPB, then this recipe fits the bill!
Since this recipe isn’t canned, it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within several days for optimal freshness. Feel free to half the recipe if you don't think you'll get through it fast enough!
You technically can, but it may be slightly softer and less flavorful than fresh or frozen will be. Be sure to drain it well and rinse before using!
Other Recipes To Top Your Burger
📖 Recipe
Homemade Corn Relish
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels - (fresh is best, but thawed frozen corn also works!)
- ½ medium green bell pepper - finely chopped
- 1 large tomato - finely chopped
- ½ yellow onion - finely chopped
- 1 rib celery - finely chopped
- ⅔ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅔ cup rice vinegar
- ⅔ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon celery seed
- ¾ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 jalapeno - finely chopped
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except for cornstarch in a nonstick medium pot on medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes.
- Once done simmering: In a separate small bowl, stir together cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water. Add this to the corn mixture and stir to combine.
- Continue to stir while simmering for about 5 more minutes, or until the mixture gets slightly thick and cloudy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temp, then store in the fridge to chill.
- Use as a topping on whatever you desire! Enjoy!
Nutrition
*Nutrition facts are an estimate and are calculated for one serving.
Happy cooking! If you made this recipe don’t forget to tag me (@joyfulbalanceofficial) on facebook or instagram so I can cheer you on for your relish-making ways.
Stay joyfully balanced!
Jess says
so delicious and flavorful!
Delaney Marie says
So glad you liked it!
Juyali says
Amazing! the maple syrup was such a surprising and delish addition. 🙂
Delaney Marie says
Thank you! It adds the perfect amount of sweetness 😉
Lainey says
Awesome recipe! Love that it uses apple cider vinegar instead of vinegar! 😍😍😍
Delaney Marie says
And the apple cider vinegar flavor works so well here! Glad you loved it 🙂