Roasted Corn Relish: A Summer Symphony on a Plate

There’s a certain magic that happens when corn hits the grill, a smoky sweetness that transports me back to childhood cookouts, the air thick with laughter and the aroma of charcoal. This roasted corn relish, inspired by the brilliant Joshua Bousel, captures that essence perfectly. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of summer’s bounty, a delightful dance of textures and flavors that sings with freshness. Each spoonful is a reminder of sun-drenched afternoons and the simple joy of good food shared with good company.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: Approximately 3 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

This relish is all about celebrating the natural sweetness of peak-season produce, elevated by a kiss of smoke.

• 3 ears corn, husks and silks removed
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for grilling corn)
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 6 green onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil (for brushing green onions)

Equipment Needed

• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Aluminum foil
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Medium bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Small bowl (for lime zest and juice)

Instructions

The heart of this relish lies in the char and caramelization achieved on the grill. This process not only cooks the vegetables but also imbues them with an irresistible smoky depth.

1. Prepare the Grill: Get your grill ready for action. If you’re using a charcoal grill, prepare a hot fire. For a gas grill, preheat it to high. Allow the grill grate to preheat, covered, for at least 5 minutes. This ensures you get those beautiful grill marks and a good sear.

2. Prepare the Corn: While the grill is heating, prepare the corn. Lightly butter each ear of corn, then generously season it with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Next, wrap each buttered and seasoned ear tightly in aluminum foil. This will steam the corn as it grills, keeping it moist and tender.

3. Grill the Vegetables: Once the grill is hot and the grate is clean and oiled, it’s time to grill. Place the foil-wrapped corn, the red bell pepper, and the jalapeno pepper directly on the grill grate. Cover the grill.

   • For the red bell pepper and jalapeno: Grill them until they begin to blister and their skins start to char slightly, about 8-10 minutes per side. You want them softened and beginning to char, but not completely blackened and burnt.
   • For the corn: Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until it’s lightly charred all over and tender. This will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill.

4. Grill the Green Onions: As the other vegetables are finishing, prepare the green onions. Brush them lightly with olive oil and place them on the grill. Cook until they are softened and have lightly browned on both sides, about 3-5 minutes.

5. Cool and Chop: As each vegetable finishes grilling, carefully remove it from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow them to cool slightly until they are comfortable to handle.

6. Process the Corn: Once the corn is cool enough to touch, carefully cut the kernels off each ear. Discard the cobs.

7. Prepare the Peppers: For the jalapeno pepper and red bell pepper, remove the seeds and ribs. Then, finely dice them. Add the diced peppers to the bowl with the corn kernels.

8. Add the Green Onions and Aromatics: Thinly slice the green onions and add them to the bowl with the corn and peppers. Now, it’s time to incorporate the fresh elements: add the finely chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, sugar, chili powder, and cumin.

9. Combine and Season: Stir all the ingredients together gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined. Season generously with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. This is a crucial step – taste and adjust until the flavors are perfectly balanced.

10. Serve or Store: The relish can be served immediately while it’s still warm, or it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Char is Your Friend: Don’t be afraid of a little char on your vegetables. This is where the smoky, complex flavor of the relish truly develops. A slightly blackened pepper or ear of corn adds depth, not bitterness, to the finished dish.
• Uniform Dicing: For the best texture and visual appeal, aim for a relatively uniform dice on your peppers and green onions. This ensures each bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
• Taste, Taste, Taste: The final seasoning is paramount. Since the sweetness of the corn and peppers can vary, and your salt preferences differ, tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper is non-negotiable. Don’t be shy with the salt – it’s what really makes all the other flavors pop.
• Herb Power: Fresh cilantro is key here, but if it’s not your favorite, you could experiment with finely chopped parsley or a mix of both.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Roasted Corn Relish is incredibly versatile. It’s a spectacular accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, and poultry, adding a bright, fresh counterpoint to richer flavors. Think of it alongside grilled chicken breasts, blackened fish tacos, or even as a topping for juicy burgers. It also stands beautifully on its own as a vibrant side dish for a summer picnic or barbecue.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen beautifully over time, making it even more delicious the next day. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat, but if you prefer it slightly warmer, a very brief, gentle warming on the stovetop is possible, though it can affect the texture of the fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value
Calories	65.8 kcal	3%
Total Fat	2.2 g	3%
Saturated Fat	1 g	5%
Cholesterol	3.8 mg	1%
Sodium	6.2 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	11.5 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g	7%
Sugars	3.2 g	13%
Protein	1.9 g	3%
Vitamin C	6.8 mg	8%
Vitamin A	280 IU	6%
Iron	0.3 mg	2%
Potassium	190 mg	4%

Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spice Level: For a spicier relish, leave some of the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer it milder, you can remove all seeds and ribs from the jalapeno, or even substitute a milder pepper like a poblano.
• Sweetness: If your corn is particularly sweet, you might find you need less added sugar. Conversely, if it’s less sweet, a touch more sugar can help balance the flavors.
• Herbs: While cilantro is traditional and delicious, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a hint of mint for a different twist.
• Additions: For a heartier relish, consider adding some diced red onion, black beans, or even some grilled zucchini.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this relish without a grill?
A: Yes, you can achieve a similar flavor profile by charring the vegetables under a broiler or in a hot cast-iron skillet until they have some browned and blistered spots.

Q: How long does the relish last in the refrigerator?
A: Stored in an airtight container, the relish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: What kind of corn is best for this recipe?
A: Any fresh sweet corn works well. Look for ears that are plump and have bright green husks.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The flavors meld beautifully when made ahead, so it’s a great option for potlucks or entertaining.

Q: Is this recipe truly vegan and gluten-free?
A: Yes, the core ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Ensure your chili powder and cumin are pure spices without any additives.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Corn Relish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients treated with a little heat and a lot of love. It’s the kind of dish that brightens any meal and brings a touch of sunshine to your plate. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and let the sweet, smoky aromas guide you. Share it generously, and savor every vibrant bite. I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures with this delightful relish!