Explore the essence of Southern cuisine with this chow chow recipe. It combines tangy, sweet, and spicy tastes. Chow chow relish is a staple in Southern meals, making sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers even better. Learn how to make a true southern chow chow at home for a tasty addition to your cooking.

This beloved condiment has earned high praise, with four perfect five-star reviews. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to make this homemade chow chow. This includes 1 hour of prep and 20 minutes of cooking.

This recipe makes 56 servings or 14 cups of relish, turning simple meals into a gourmet treat. You’ll need finely chopped veggies like green cabbage, green tomatoes, sweet onions, and bell peppers. Use this versatile relish with barbecue, pulled pork, fried chicken, cheese platters, or as a zesty topping for burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.

Key Takeaways

• Enjoy the authentic blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors with this southern chow chow recipe.
• This recipe requires approximately 1 hour for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking.
• Yield: 14 cups or 56 servings of delectable chow chow relish.
• Essential ingredients include cabbage, green tomatoes, sweet onions, and bell peppers.
• Perfect as a condiment on burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches or paired with Southern dishes.

What is Chow Chow?

Chow Chow is a classic Southern relish known for its mix of vegetables. It’s also loved for its versatility as a condiment. This relish has a rich history, blending different cultures and using seasonal produce.

Origins and Historical Significance

The roots of Chow Chow come from Native American, African, and European traditions in the South. It was made to use up extra veggies at the end of the season. This shows its value as a thrifty and creative dish.

Regional Variations

Chow Chow recipes change a lot depending on where you are. In the South, it’s often made with green cabbage. But in Pennsylvania Dutch areas, it includes green beans, lima beans, cauliflower, and corn. These differences make Chow Chow special in each region.

Ingredients and Flavor Profile

Traditional Chow Chow mixes ground veggies like onions, cabbage, green tomatoes, and bell peppers. It also has coarse salt, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, turmeric, and vinegar. This mix creates a tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor. Some recipes add cayenne or jalapeno for extra heat.

Ingredients for Chow Chow Recipe

The heart of any chow chow recipe is its vibrant ingredients. These parts come together to make the sweet and tangy flavor we love. This flavor is what makes this Southern relish special.

Essential Vegetables

Chow chow vegetables are the base of this relish. They add a delightful crunch and a range of colors. Key ingredients include:

• 2 green tomatoes or tomatillos
• 1 orange bell pepper
• 2 Cubanelle, banana, or jalapeno peppers
• 1 small onion
• 1 package of shredded cabbage or slaw mix

Vinegar and Sweeteners

A mix of vinegar and sweeteners is key for the perfect chow chow flavor. You’ll need:

• 2 1/2 cups of white vinegar
• 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of salt

Spices and Seasonings

Spices and seasonings add depth to the chow chow recipe. The mix includes:

• 1/2 tablespoon each of whole cloves, whole mustard seeds, whole peppercorns, and mustard seed
• 1/4 teaspoon of celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/8 teaspoon of allspice

Optional Add-Ins

To make this chow chow recipe your own, add jalapeños and turmeric. They add heat and color:

• Jalapeños for an extra kick
• Turmeric for a striking yellow hue

Chow Chow Recipe

Making the perfect chow chow starts with preparing the veggies. Then, you cook them carefully. If you want to keep it, you need to can it.

Preparation Steps

First, chop 2 green tomatoes or tomatilloes, 1 orange bell pepper, 2 peppers, 1 small onion, and 1 package of shredded cabbage. Cut them into pieces about 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick. You can use a food processor for this.

After chopping, mix the veggies with 1 tablespoon of salt. Let them sit in the fridge for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. This step helps remove excess moisture, keeping the veggies crisp.

Cooking Process

Drain the veggies well and put them in a big pot. Add 2 1/2 cups of white vinegar, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, and spices like cloves, mustard seeds, and peppercorns. Also, add mustard seed, celery seed, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and allspice.

Simmer the mix over medium heat for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir now and then until the veggies are tender.

Canning Instructions

If you want to keep your chow chow, canning is a good way. Start by cleaning and sterilizing jars, lids, and bands. Use jars of different sizes like quarter pint, half-pint, or pint.

Fill the jars with hot chow chow, leaving about 1/2 inch of space. Clean the rims, then put on the lids and bands. Place the jars in boiling water, making sure they’re covered by at least an inch of water.

Process the jars for the right time based on your altitude. For example, 5 minutes below 1000 ft, 10 minutes between 1000 ft and 6000 ft, and 15 minutes above 6000 ft. After processing, take the jars out and let them cool for 24 to 48 hours. Check the seals before storing.

Preparation Tips for Making Chow Chow

Making a tasty chow chow relish needs careful prep. Focus on fresh veggies and flavor balance for success. Here are tips to make your chow chow perfect.

Choosing Fresh Vegetables

Choosing the freshest veggies is crucial for a great chow chow. Follow these tips for the best veggies:

• Green Tomatoes: Pick 6 lbs of firm, green tomatoes, about 6 large ones.
• Cabbage: Use 4 cups of coarsely chopped green cabbage for the best taste.
• Bell Peppers: Add 3 medium bell peppers, or 2 green ones chopped, for texture and flavor. You can also use jalapeno or poblano peppers, adjusting the red pepper flakes for spice.
• Onions and Celery: Add 1 large Vidalia onion and 4 cups of chopped celery for a crunchy bite.

Balancing Flavors

Getting the flavors right in chow chow is an art. It starts with the right mix of ingredients and spices:

1. Vinegar and Sweeteners: Mix 2 cups of white vinegar and 3 cups of granulated sugar for a sweet-tangy base.
2. Spices and Seasonings: Blend 3 tablespoons of pickling spices, ¼ teaspoon mustard powder, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and red pepper flakes for flavor.
3. Salt Preparation: Toss chopped veggies with ½ cup pickling salt and refrigerate overnight. This helps draw out moisture for a firmer texture.

Total prep time is about 8 hours 45 minutes. This includes marinating, chopping, and a 15-minute cooking time. Store it in sterilized jars in the fridge for up to 4 months. For longer storage, use hot water bath canning for up to 1 year. These tips will help you make a delicious and easy chow chow recipe.

Canning and Preserving Chow Chow

Learning to can chow chow keeps it fresh for longer. It lets you enjoy homemade chow chow all year. Here’s a detailed guide to keep your chow chow perfect.

Necessary Equipment

For successful canning, you need the right tools. You’ll need a big pot, canning jars, lids, rings, and tongs. Look for brands like Kerr and Ball for their quality.

You’ll also need canning tongs, funnels, a magnetic stick, and a grinder. These tools make the process easier and more precise.

Always use new jars and lids to avoid contamination. Two-part lids create a tight seal. Avoid using dented seals.

Sterilization Methods

Before you start, sterilize your jars and tools. Soak jars in boiling water for 10 minutes. Boil rings and seals for at least 5 minutes too.

This step kills bacteria that could spoil your relish.

Proper Storage Techniques

Proper storage keeps chow chow’s flavors bright. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark spot for up to a year. After opening, keep them in the fridge and use within 4 months.

Remember, altitude changes can affect canning times. If you’re over 1,000 feet above sea level, adjust your times. This keeps your chow chow safe and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Southern chow chow is a tasty relish that adds flavor to many dishes. It’s a favorite in Southern kitchens, where it’s kept in Mason jars all year. Its unique taste can turn simple meals into special ones.

Pairing with Southern Dishes

Southern chow chow is loved for its zesty taste. It goes well with pulled pork, fried chicken, and barbecue sandwiches. It also adds a nice crunch to burgers and hot dogs.

It’s great with savory beans, greens, and cornbread too. Southern restaurants like HUSK, Soby’s, and Blossom use it in their own ways. This makes chow chow a favorite in the region.

As a Condiment and Relish

Southern chow chow is more than just a side relish. Its tangy, spicy, and sweet taste is perfect for topping fried green tomatoes, grits, and deviled eggs. It’s also great on sandwiches or mixed into biscuits and gravy for a surprise flavor.

Brands like Mac’s Pride sell this condiment in South Carolina. This makes it easy for home cooks to use.

Enhancing Other Recipes

Southern chow chow can be used in many ways. Add it to salads for extra flavor or use it with grilled seafood. It’s even used in cheesecake and ice cream, showing its versatility.

The mix of cabbage, sweet peppers, onions, and green tomatoes offers endless possibilities in cooking.

Health Benefits of Chow Chow

The health benefits of chow chow go beyond its tasty flavor. It’s a key part of a healthy diet. Chow chow, also called chayote squash or Bangalore Kathirikai, is full of vitamins and minerals. These nutrients help keep you healthy and feeling good.

Chow chow is known for its great nutritional profile. A 203-gram chayote squash has just 39 calories. It’s low in calories but packed with nutrients. Here’s what you get:

• Carbs: 9 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams (14% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI))
• Vitamin C: 26% of the RDI
• Vitamin B9 (folate): 47% of the RDI
• Vitamin K: 10% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 8% of the RDI
• Manganese: 19% of the RDI
• Copper: 12% of the RDI
• Zinc: 10% of the RDI
• Potassium: 7% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 6% of the RDI

Chow chow is high in fiber and low in calories. This makes it perfect for a balanced diet. The fiber helps with digestion and keeps your gut healthy. It also helps you feel full and manage your weight.

The nutritious chow chow is full of antioxidants like vitamin C. Vitamin C slows down aging and reduces stress. It also has compounds that fight diabetes, cancer, and inflammation.

Chow chow is good for your heart. It improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. It’s also important for a healthy pregnancy because of its folate.

Studies show that chow chow may help fight cancer. It slows down cancer cell growth. It also improves liver health by reducing fat and lowering bad cholesterol.

Chow chow is a nutritious addition to your diet. It tastes great and offers many health benefits. Adding it to your meals can improve your overall health and well-being.

Variations of Chow Chow Recipe

Chow chow relish can be made in many ways to please different tastes. You can choose from sweet, spicy, or fermented options. Here, we’ll look at some tasty chow chow variations you can make at home.

Sweet Chow Chow

Sweet chow chow is great for those who like a milder flavor. It uses more sugar and sweeter veggies like bell peppers and apples. This mix balances the vinegar’s tanginess, making it perfect with smoked meats and cheeses.

The dressing keeps the relish moist and full of flavor. Every bite is juicy and tasty.

Spicy Chow Chow

Spicy chow chow is for those who love bold flavors. It adds hot peppers like jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. This version is perfect for those who enjoy a kick.

The spice enhances the taste without overpowering it. It’s great with barbecued meats, fish tacos, and scrambled eggs.

Fermented Chow Chow

Fermented chow chow is loved for its probiotic benefits and deeper flavors. It’s made by fermenting veggies in a salt brine instead of vinegar. This process adds a unique tang and boosts the relish’s nutritional value.

This version is great for gut health. It’s perfect with grilled chicken, pork, or as a topping for sandwiches.

These chow chow variations show how versatile this Southern favorite can be. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or fermented, each version adds flavor to any meal.