Find a Quick and Easy Recipe for Making Chow Chow Relish recipe at Home

Introduction

Chow Chow is a tangy, pickled relish that is a staple in Southern cuisine. It can elevate the flavor of a variety of dishes, from hot dogs to beans and meats. If you’re curious about what Chow Chow is and how to make it yourself, this guide will provide you with everything you need to whip up your own delicious batch at home.

What is Chow Chow?

Chow Chow is a pickled vegetable relish that typically includes a medley of chopped vegetables such as green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage. The relish has its roots in the Southern United States, where it has become a beloved condiment. Chow Chow can be used to add zest to sandwiches, served as a side with fried foods, or even enjoyed straight from the jar!

Chow Chow Relish Recipe

Here’s a quick and easy Chow Chow relish recipe that you can make at home. This recipe will guide you through the preparation process, allowing you to enjoy the wonderful flavors of Chow Chow.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Green tomatoes	4 cups, chopped
Onion	2 cups, chopped
Green bell pepper	1 cup, chopped
Cabbage	2 cups, shredded
Sugar	1 cup
Vinegar (5% acidity)	2 cups
Mustard seeds	1 tablespoon
Turmeric	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 tablespoon

Preparation Table

Preparation Step	Time Required
Prepare vegetables	1 hour
Mix ingredients	10 minutes
Cook mixture	10 minutes
Jar and process	15 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 35 mins

Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables: Begin by thoroughly washing and dicing all the vegetables. You want them to be in small, uniform pieces for even pickling. For the green tomatoes, remove the stems and chop them finely. Dice the onion and green bell pepper. Shred the cabbage into thin strips.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with the salt. The salt works to extract excess moisture from the vegetables. Let this mixture sit for about an hour. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor in your Chow Chow.
3. Rinse and Drain: After an hour, rinse the vegetables under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain them thoroughly to ensure there is no excess liquid that could dilute the flavor of your relish.
4. Cook the Mixture: In a large pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, and turmeric. Heat the mixture on medium until it reaches a boil. Once it reaches a boil, add the drained vegetables and simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to absorb the pickling liquid.
5. Jar the Chow Chow: Carefully spoon the hot mixture into sterilized jars. Be sure to leave about half an inch of space at the top of each jar. This space is necessary for the expansion of the contents during processing.
6. Canning Chow Chow Recipe: If you want to preserve your Chow Chow, you can follow proper canning procedures. Immerse the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to secure a proper seal. Make sure to check the seals after they cool to ensure they are airtight.
7. Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool completely on a clean towel or cooling rack. Once cooled, store them in a cool, dark place. It’s best to let your Chow Chow sit for at least a week before opening a jar to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Cabbage Chow Chow Recipe Variation

If you enjoy the crunchiness of cabbage, consider making a cabbage chow chow recipe. This variation allows you to replace some of the other vegetables with shredded cabbage. You can keep the proportions of other ingredients the same. This addition not only enhances the texture but also adds a slightly different flavor profile to your Chow Chow.

Tips for the Best Chow Chow

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of your Chow Chow depends on the freshness of the vegetables. Try to use locally sourced produce whenever possible for the best taste.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Chow Chow is quite versatile. Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste preferences. For a spicy kick, consider adding chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Let It Sit: For the best flavor, let your Chow Chow sit for at least a week after canning before you use it. Letting the relish sit for a while allows the flavors to blend perfectly.

Nutrition Information (per 1 tablespoon)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	25
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Sodium	130mg
Total Carbohydrates	5g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	4g
Protein	0g

Conclusion

Making your own Chow Chow relish at home is not only easy but also a rewarding way to enjoy a taste of Southern cuisine. With this Chow Chow relish recipe, you can customize it to your liking and even try different variations, like the cabbage chow chow recipe. Whether you enjoy it on a sandwich, served with your favorite meats, or as a zesty topping for your dishes, you’ll love having this tangy, flavorful relish on hand!