Classic Southern Chow Chow Recipe – 7 Easy Steps

Discover the irresistible flavors of this iconic Southern chow chow recipe.

Craving a relish that transforms ordinary meals into unforgettable dishes? This Southern Chow Chow Recipe captures the essence of fresh, tangy, and sweet vegetables in a delightful brine. Whether you’re a canning pro or a first-timer, this step-by-step guide will help you create a condiment that’s perfect for topping, side dishes, or even gifting. Ready to dive into this iconic Southern staple? Let’s get started!

Tips for Making the Best Southern Chow Chow

• Achieve the Perfect Texture:
  When chopping vegetables, aim for small, uniform pieces. This ensures even brining and prevents the relish from becoming mushy during cooking. Use a food processor for efficiency, but avoid over-processing.
• Balance the Brine:
  The brine is the heart of the relish. Taste it before adding the vegetables, and adjust sugar or vinegar to suit your preference. If you prefer a spicier relish, add more hot peppers or red pepper flakes.
• Master the Canning Process:
  Always sterilize jars before use to prevent contamination. Keep jars hot while filling to reduce the risk of breakage when processing in the boiling water bath. Use a jar lifter for safe handling.
• Add Complexity with Spices:
  Experiment with spices like cinnamon, cloves, or allspice for a unique flavor profile. To create a festive flavor, sprinkle in some nutmeg or ginger.
• Prevent Overcrowding:
  When cooking the relish, use a large pot to give the vegetables enough space to cook evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Make It Your Own:
  You can control the spiciness by modifying the amount of hot peppers used. For a stronger flavor profile, opt for white vinegar. In contrast, rice vinegar provides a milder alternative compared to apple cider vinegar.

Explore ingredient swaps and unique twists to customize your chow chow recipe.

• For Seasonal Flavoring: Incorporate warm spices such as ginger, cinnamon, or cloves to create festive, winter-time tastes.
• Alternative Vegetables: When recipes call for green tomatoes or cabbage, you can replace them with options like yellow squash, zucchini, or cauliflower.
• Vinegar Options: If you need to replace apple cider vinegar, there are two main alternatives: white vinegar offers a stronger, more pronounced acidic flavor, while rice vinegar provides a milder and more delicate acidity.
• Sweetness Adjustments: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar or honey for a more decadent sweetness.

Storing and Preserving Your Homemade Chow Chow

• Inspect Before Use:
  Inspect the jar for any indicators of contamination, including unpleasant smells, fungal growth, or damaged seals. Immediately throw away any jar that shows these warning signs.
• Canning for Long-Term Storage:
  After completing the water bath canning, allow the jars to cool naturally to ambient temperature. To test if they’re properly sealed, push down on the center of each lid—properly sealed lids will remain firmly in place without moving up and down. Unopened containers can be preserved for up to 12 months when kept in a dark, temperature-controlled space like a basement or storage room. Ensure the temperature stays consistent to avoid spoilage.
• Refrigeration for Short-Term Use:
  If you skip the canning process, transfer the chow chow recipe to airtight containers and refrigerate. Consume within three months for the best flavor. Once opened, canned jars should also be refrigerated and used within three months.
• Avoid Freezing:
  It’s best to avoid freezing chow chow recipe since the vegetables tend to become mushy and lose their original consistency when defrosted.

Best Ways to Serve Southern Chow Chow

• Morning Meals: Make your breakfast more flavorful by incorporating a spoonful of chow chow recipe into your morning favorites like scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast wraps. Its bright, zesty taste creates an enjoyable contrast with hearty breakfast dishes.
• Classic Southern Meals: Chow chow recipe complements classic Southern cooking perfectly. Add this as a garnish to traditional dishes like collard greens, black-eyed peas, or pinto beans – its sharp and zesty taste perfectly complements the rich, deep flavors of these beloved staples.
• Sandwich and Burger Toppings: Add a spoonful of chow chow to pulled chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, or hot dogs for an irresistible crunch and bold flavor. For a lighter option, spread it on a turkey sandwich to create a refreshing, tangy twist that elevates the whole experience.
• Charcuterie and Starters: Elevate your meat and cheese board with chow chow recipe – it works beautifully when served with cream cheese, crackers, and an array of pickled vegetables. For a simple yet delicious starter, serve it as a dipping sauce with cornbread muffins or hush puppies.
• Gathering Favorites: Transform your potato and pasta salads by incorporating chow chow recipe, which adds a distinctive flavor to every bite. This versatile condiment makes an excellent addition to deviled eggs. When spread on egg salad sandwiches, it creates a perfect harmony between its tangy notes and the smooth, creamy foundation.

Get answers to your most common questions about chow chow relish and canning.

What if I don’t have green tomatoes?
You can substitute zucchini, tomatillos, or unripe regular tomatoes for green tomatoes in this recipe.

What is chow chow?
A combination of green tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, and other vegetables creates the pickled relish known as chow chow. This zesty condiment offers both tart and sweet notes, making it suitable for various dishes.

How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add chopped hot peppers, like jalapeños, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix for a spicy kick.

Can I skip the canning step?
Yes, you can store chow chow recipe in the refrigerator for up to 3 months without canning.

7-Step Classic Southern Chow Chow Recipe

Alex

This easy chow chow recipe combines tangy, crunchy vegetables with a sweet and savory pickling brine. Perfect for beginners, it’s a delicious way to preserve summer’s bounty and enjoy it year-round.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Salting Time 12 hours hrs

Total Time 12 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Course Condiment, Side Dish

Cuisine Southern American

Servings 32 (2 tablespoons per serving)

Calories 45 kcal

Ingredients

  

Vegetables

• 4 cups green tomatoes finely chopped
• 3 cups green cabbage finely chopped
• 2 cups sweet red bell peppers chopped
• 2 cups green bell peppers chopped
• 1 cup yellow onions chopped

Brine

• ¼ cup kosher salt
• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

Optional Spices for Variation

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Vegetables : Start by finely chopping 4 cups of green tomatoes, then add 3 cups of green cabbage that has been thinly sliced. Next, prepare 2 cups each of diced red and green bell peppers. Complete the preparation by dicing 1 cup of yellow onion. Using a food processor helps maintain uniform pieces while saving time. Avoid over-processing, as you want the vegetables to retain their crunch.
• Salt the Vegetables : Mix the diced vegetables in a wide container made of glass or stainless steel, then add ¼ cup kosher salt over them. Stir thoroughly to ensure the salt is evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight (at least 12 hours). This step draws out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp relish.
• Rinse and Drain : The next day, rinse the salted vegetables under cold running water to remove the salt. Drain thoroughly in a colander, pressing gently to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Let it rest until the brine solution is ready.
• Make the Brine : Take a large stockpot and mix the following: 2 cups apple cider vinegar, 1½ cups white sugar (granulated), 1 tablespoon mustard seeds (yellow variety), 1 teaspoon celery seeds, and ½ teaspoon ground turmeric powder. Keep stirring the mixture over heat until you notice the sugar has fully dissolved. Once dissolved, reduce the temperature and let the mixture gently simmer for 5 minutes. This cooking process allows all the ingredients to combine properly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Cook the Relish : Mix the filtered vegetables into the pot with the brine solution. Heat the combined mixture while stirring until tiny bubbles start to form on the surface. Turn down the temperature and let the mixture cook gently for 10-15 minutes, occasionally mixing to combine all ingredients. Test the vegetables with a fork – they should be tender enough to pierce but maintain a slight crunch.
• Can the Chow Chow : To sanitize your jars, submerge them in boiling water and let them stay there for 10 minutes. Using a canning funnel, ladle the hot chow chow into jars, leaving ½ inch of headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean, securely fasten the lids, and place them in boiling water for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
• Cool and Store : Place the jars on a counter covered with a towel and allow them to cool. Test whether they're adequately sealed by pushing down on the center of each lid – a sealed jar won't make a popping sound when pressed. When stored in a cool, dark location, these jars will remain fresh for a maximum of 12 months. Once opened, you should refrigerate them and use their contents within 90 days.

Notes

• Calories per Serving: Two tablespoons contains 45 calories
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Tags: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
• Nutritional Info per Serving: 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 11g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 0.5g protein, 280mg sodium, 8g sugar, 25mg vitamin C

Keyword cabbage chow chow recipe, canning chow chow recipe, chow chow recipe, chow chow relish recipe, recipe for chow chow

Create this easy chow chow relish and elevate your meals with a sweet-and-savory touch.

This chow chow recipe is a fantastic way to hang on to the tastes of summer (with a delicious dash of sour & sweet) and top off summer favorites. You will make a treasure of a relish — tasty in its own right and as versatile as it is delicious — no matter your level of canning experience or cooking prowess. Serve with some Southern classics or your favorite comfort foods, and share what you make with family and friends.

Try this Chow Chow recipe today, and enjoy the beauty of being able to make your food sustainably! Enjoy and write us a review or tag us on social media.

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