Originating from the Southern United States, Chow Chow is a delightful and tangy vegetable relish that offers a flavorful crunch. It traditionally features ingredients like green tomatoes, cabbage, and bell peppers, making it a perfect companion for enhancing the taste of meats or sandwiches. The vibrant mix of vegetables pickled with vinegar results in a unique and mouth-watering condiment that you can enjoy any time.
Chow Chow Recipe
4
servings30
minutes45
minutes46
kcal1
hour15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
250 g 3 cup green cabbage
2 2 1/5 cup green tomatoes
1 1 red bell pepper
1 1 green bell pepper
1 1 Vidalia onion
240 ml 1 cup white vinegar
200 g 1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon mustard seed
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon celery seed
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon turmeric
Equipment
Large pot- Wooden spoon
- Mason jars
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Directions
- Finely chop the green cabbage, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
- Dice the Vidalia onion.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped vegetables with the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Remove from heat and ladle the hot relish into sterilized mason jars, leaving a small space at the top. Seal immediately.
- Allow the jars to cool to room temperature, then store them in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- Customize your Chow Chow by adding more spices or swapping in other vegetables like carrots or sweet peppers for extra sweetness and color.
What is Chow Chow?
Chow Chow is a traditional Southern relish made with a mix of pickled vegetables, typically including green tomatoes, cabbage, and bell peppers. It’s known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
What can I serve Chow Chow with?
Chow Chow is a versatile condiment that pairs well with meats, sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers. It’s also delicious served as a side relish or even with cheese and crackers.
How long can I store Chow Chow?
When properly sealed in sterilized jars, Chow Chow can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a few weeks.
Can I make substitutions in the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like carrots or sweet onions. You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Is Chow Chow the same as piccalilli?
While both are types of relishes, Chow Chow and piccalilli have distinct flavors and origins. Piccalilli is usually spicier and originates from British cuisine, while Chow Chow is milder and is a traditional Southern U.S. dish.
Can Chow Chow be made spicy?
Absolutely! You can add a touch of heat by including some chopped jalapeños or adding crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, Chow Chow can be preserved through canning for long-term storage. Be sure to follow proper canning techniques to ensure safety and quality.
