Description
Chow Chow is a traditional Southern relish made with a mix of vegetables, pickling spices, and a tangy-sweet brine. Perfect as a condiment for beans, hot dogs, burgers, or alongside roasted meats, this versatile relish captures the flavors of old-fashioned preserving.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely chopped
- 4 medium green tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup (60 g) kosher salt
For the Brine:
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (480 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, green tomatoes, onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and toss well.
- Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 4–6 hours (or overnight) to draw out excess moisture.
- Rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the Brine:
- In a large pot, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Cook the Chow Chow:
- Add the drained vegetables to the pot with the brine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the mixture is slightly thickened.
4. Can or Store:
- For Canning:
- While the chow chow is simmering, sterilize canning jars and lids.
- Ladle the hot chow chow into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, seal tightly with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Let the jars cool completely. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
- For Immediate Use:
Allow the chow chow to cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1 month.
Notes
- For a sweeter relish, increase the sugar to 2 1/2 cups.
- Customize the vegetables by adding shredded carrots or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Allow the chow chow to sit for a few days before serving to let the flavors meld.