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chow chow recipe

Chow Chow Recipe

Mariah Annader
Chow Chow is a traditional Southern relish made with a mix of fresh vegetables like cabbage, green tomatoes, and bell peppers, all pickled in a tangy, slightly sweet brine. This versatile relish is perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, or serving alongside beans and cornbread.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine Southern, American
Servings 16 P
Calories 50 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Canning jars with lids (if preserving)
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups green cabbage finely chopped
  • 2 cups green tomatoes finely chopped
  • 1 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup green bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 cup red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp celery seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Instructions
 

Prepare Vegetables:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cabbage, green tomatoes, onion, and bell peppers. Sprinkle with salt, toss well, and let sit for 2 hours to draw out moisture. Rinse thoroughly and drain well.

Cook the Relish:

  • In a large pot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if
  • using). Bring to a boil, then add the drained vegetables. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pack and Seal:

  • Pack the hot chow chow into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Seal with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if preserving for long-term storage.

Cool and Store:

  • Let the jars cool completely. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year, or refrigerate and use within 3 months if not canned.

Notes

Adjust sugar and vinegar levels to your taste for a sweeter or more tangy relish.
This relish can also be served fresh without canning—just refrigerate and consume within a few weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25CupCalories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword chow chow, Southern relish, pickled relish, homemade relish, vegetable relish
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