Chow Chow Recipe
Chow Chow is a tangy, slightly sweet relish made from green tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, and a variety of spices. It’s the perfect addition to elevate sandwiches, burgers, or as a flavorful side dish. This traditional Southern recipe is simple to make and brings a delightful crunch and zing to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups cabbage finely chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper diced
- 1 cup onion diced
- 2 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp celery seeds
- 1 ½ cups vinegar apple cider or white
- 1 cup sugar adjust for sweetness preference
- 2 tbsp salt
Instructions
- 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- First, chop the green tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, and onions into small, even pieces.
- Then, place all chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt, mix well, and allow them to sit overnight to draw out excess moisture.
- 2: Drain and Rinse
- The next day, drain any excess liquid from the vegetables. Afterward, rinse thoroughly under cold water, and pat them dry to remove any remaining moisture.
- 3: Cook the Chow Chow
- In a big pot, mix together the vegetables, vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, and celery seeds. Stir to mix thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The relish should soften and absorb the flavors as it cooks.
- 4: Canning and Storing
- While the mixture is still warm, gently spoon the chow chow into sterilized jars, leaving around 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Seal jars tightly with lids.
- For a longer shelf life, process jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. If you’re unfamiliar with canning, refer to this Guide to Canning Vegetables for step-by-step instructions.
- Store jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate the chow chow for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm vegetables for the best crunch and flavor in your chow chow.
- This relish can be stored in the fridge for several weeks or canned for longer shelf life.
- Adjust the sugar and vinegar to your taste for a sweeter or tangier result.
- Chow Chow is ideal for barbecues and potlucks as a unique and flavorful topping.