Chow Chow is a classic southern relish made from a medley of finely chopped vegetables and spices, offering a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. This versatile condiment is perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, or beans or serving alongside your favorite grilled meats. Its bold taste and vibrant texture make it a beloved addition to any pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic recipe steeped in tradition, bringing a taste of southern charm to your table.
- The perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors complements a wide variety of dishes.
- It’s a great way to use up surplus garden vegetables, reducing food waste.
- Homemade Chow Chow is more flavorful and customizable than store-bought options.
- It’s easy to prepare and stores well, making it convenient for future meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Green tomatoes
- Cabbage
- Sweet onions
- Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- Celery
- Granulated sugar
- White vinegar
- Mustard seed
- Turmeric
- Celery seed
- Ground cloves
- Pickling salt
Directions
- Begin by washing and finely chopping the green tomatoes, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, and celery.
- Combine the chopped vegetables in a large bowl and sprinkle with pickling salt. Let it sit overnight to draw out moisture.
- Drain the liquid from the vegetables and rinse thoroughly.
- In a large stockpot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, turmeric, celery seed, and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the drained vegetables to the pot and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the mixture simmers, prepare sterilized jars for canning.
- Ladle the hot Chow Chow into jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Seal the jars with lids and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Let the jars cool completely, then check the seals before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 6-8 pints of relish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking).
- Cook Time: 40 minutes.
Variations
- Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Sweeter Chow Chow: Increase the sugar slightly for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly if needed.
- Crispier Texture: Reduce the cooking time to maintain more crunch in the vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator and consume within 1 month.
- Reheating: Chow Chow doesn’t require reheating. Simply serve it chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
What vegetables are commonly used in Chow Chow?
Green tomatoes, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, and celery are the traditional vegetables used in Chow Chow.
Can I customize the spices in this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the spices to your preference, such as adding more cloves or omitting turmeric.
How do I know if my jars are sealed properly?
Press down on the center of the lid after cooling. If it doesn’t move or pop, the jar is sealed.
Is it necessary to use pickling salt?
Pickling salt is recommended as it doesn’t contain additives that can cloud the brine.
Can I freeze Chow Chow instead of canning it?
Yes, you can freeze Chow Chow in airtight containers, but the texture may change slightly.
How long should Chow Chow sit before eating?
For the best flavor, let it sit for at least 2 weeks after canning.
What dishes pair well with Chow Chow?
It’s perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, beans, or serving alongside barbecue dishes.
Can I make a smaller batch of Chow Chow?
Yes, simply halve the recipe to make a smaller quantity.
What type of vinegar is best for this recipe?
White vinegar is traditionally used, but apple cider vinegar can add a subtle fruity note.
Is Chow Chow gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Chow Chow is a delightful old-fashioned recipe that brings a burst of tangy-sweet flavor to your table. Whether you’re preserving the taste of summer vegetables or adding a unique condiment to your favorite meals, this homemade relish is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a timeless southern classic!
PrintChow Chow (Old Fashioned)
This classic Southern relish combines green tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and bell peppers in a tangy vinegar brine. It’s perfect for adding a zesty kick to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 cups cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pickling salt
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the green tomatoes, cabbage, onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sprinkle with the pickling salt and mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Rinse and Drain: The next day, rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
- Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine the white vinegar, granulated sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Cook the Relish: Add the drained vegetables to the pot with the brine. Return to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Can the Relish: While the mixture is simmering, sterilize canning jars and lids according to proper canning procedures. Carefully pack the hot relish into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, apply the lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal.
Notes
- Variations: For a spicier version, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix.
- Storage: Sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month.
- Serving Suggestions: Chow Chow pairs excellently with pinto beans, black-eyed peas, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers. It’s also a flavorful addition to seafood dishes like shrimp tacos or grilled fish.