Fresh Charred Corn Relish: A Taste of Summer Sunshine

There’s a particular magic that happens when corn meets fire. I still vividly remember my first taste of corn grilled to a perfect char, its natural sweetness intensified by the smoky kiss of the flame. It was at a backyard barbecue, a simple affair, yet that corn was a revelation. It sparked an idea, a desire to capture that vibrant, summery flavor in a more versatile form. This Fresh Charred Corn Relish is the culmination of that inspiration – a dish that sings with the season and elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s sunshine in a bowl, a testament to the power of simple ingredients treated with a little heat and a lot of love.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes chilling time)
• Servings: 6
• Yield: Approximately 3 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

This relish is a celebration of fresh, bright flavors, showcasing the best of peak-season corn.

• 4 ears of fresh corn on the cob, shucked
• Cooking spray
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup grape tomatoes, cut into quarters
• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
• ½ – 1 chipotle chile in adobo, minced (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Equipment Needed

• Grill (outdoor grill, grill pan, or broiler)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

The beauty of this relish lies in its straightforward preparation, allowing the natural sweetness of the corn to shine.

1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can achieve a similar char using a grill pan on the stovetop or by broiling the corn in the oven.
2. Char the Corn: Lightly coat the shucked corn on the cob with cooking spray. Place the corn directly on the grill rack. Grill for 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and beautifully charred in spots. This charring is crucial for developing that signature smoky depth.
3. Cool the Corn: Once grilled, remove the corn from the grill and allow it to cool completely. This step is important for safely and easily cutting the kernels from the cobs.
4. Cut the Kernels: Carefully cut the kernels from the cooled ears of corn. Place the corn kernels into a medium mixing bowl. Discard the cobs.
5. Add the Vegetables and Aromatics: To the bowl with the corn kernels, add the diced red bell pepper, quartered grape tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, thinly sliced green onions, and the minced chipotle chile in adobo. Toss everything together gently to combine.
6. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, canola oil, sugar, kosher salt, and ground cumin until well combined.
7. Dress the Relish: Drizzle the prepared dressing mixture over the corn and vegetable mixture in the medium bowl. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
8. Chill for Flavor Development: Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more harmonious and delicious relish.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Grill Marks are Key: Don’t be afraid of a good char on the corn. Those blackened bits are where the most intense flavor lies. If using a grill pan or broiler, keep an eye on it to prevent burning, but aim for visible char marks.
• Adjust the Heat: The chipotle chile in adobo provides both smoky depth and heat. Start with ½ a chile and taste before adding more, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder relish. The sauce from the adobo can also add a nice richness.
• Sharp Knife, Steady Hand: When dicing the red bell pepper and chopping the onions, a sharp knife makes all the difference for clean cuts and even pieces, which contributes to a more pleasing texture in the relish.
• Cooling is Crucial: Resist the urge to cut the corn kernels while they are still warm. Allowing them to cool completely makes them firm enough to handle and prevents them from becoming mushy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Fresh Charred Corn Relish is incredibly versatile and shines in countless applications.

Serve it as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled meats, poultry, or fish. It’s a fantastic topping for tacos, quesadillas, or even burgers. It also makes a delightful appetizer served with tortilla chips.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen over time, making it even more delicious on the second or third day. It does not freeze well, as the texture of the fresh vegetables can be compromised.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this Fresh Charred Corn Relish. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the exact size of your corn and the specific brands of ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value
Calories	104 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	21 kcal	–
Total Fat	2.3 g	3%
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	1%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	79 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	21.8 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	2.8 g	11%
Sugars	4.1 g	5%
Protein	3 g	6%

Note: The % Daily Value is based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the chipotle.
• Herbal Notes: Fresh cilantro or parsley can be a wonderful addition, chopped and stirred in just before serving.
• Avocado Creaminess: For a richer, creamier relish, stir in ½ cup of diced avocado just before serving.
• Different Peppers: If you don’t have red bell pepper, yellow or orange bell peppers would also work beautifully.
• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be substituted for grape tomatoes, just ensure they are chopped into bite-sized pieces.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this relish without a grill?
A: Absolutely! You can char the corn in a hot grill pan on the stovetop, under the broiler in your oven, or even by carefully roasting the shucked corn on a baking sheet at high heat until charred in spots.

Q: How long does the relish last in the refrigerator?
A: This relish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Q: Can I add cheese to this relish?
A: While this recipe is designed to be vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, you could certainly add crumbled cotija or feta cheese for a non-vegan option. Stir it in just before serving.

Q: What does “chipotle chile in adobo” mean?
A: This refers to dried, smoked jalapeños (chipotles) that are preserved in a tangy, savory sauce made with tomatoes and spices (adobo). They offer a unique smoky heat.

Q: Is it okay to use frozen corn?
A: While fresh corn is ideal for the best char and texture, you can use good quality frozen corn. Thaw it completely and pat it very dry before charring it in a hot pan or under the broiler. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Charred Corn Relish is more than just a recipe; it’s an embodiment of summer’s abundance. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients, treated with a little heat and imagination, can create something truly special. I encourage you to gather your fresh corn, fire up your grill, and dive into the delightful process of making this vibrant relish. Share it at your next gathering, or simply enjoy it straight from the bowl – either way, I’m confident it will bring a burst of sunshine to your table. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you might discover along the way.