Chow chow is a traditional Southern relish that has been gracing pantries and dinner tables for generations. This tangy, slightly sweet, and irresistibly flavorful condiment is perfect for adding a burst of freshness to a wide variety of dishes. Made primarily with green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage, chow chow is a fantastic way to preserve the last of your summer garden bounty. Whether you’re topping it on beans, adding it to your favorite sandwiches, or mixing it into dips, this versatile relish is sure to become a household staple. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to make and preserve your own chow chow relish with ease.
What is Chow Chow Relish?
Chow chow is a classic Southern-style relish that features a medley of finely chopped vegetables, typically made from the produce of late summer. The main ingredient is often green tomatoes, but it can include a variety of other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cabbage. The relish is pickled in a vinegar-based brine, giving it a distinctive tangy flavor, which can be customized depending on your taste preferences.
The beauty of chow chow lies in its flexibility. You can adjust the ingredients to suit what you have on hand, making it the perfect way to minimize food waste and get the most out of your garden harvest.
Key Ingredients for Chow Chow Relish
While there are numerous variations of chow chow across different regions, a few key ingredients remain consistent. Here’s what you’ll need to create a traditional Southern-style chow chow relish:
- Green tomatoes – The star ingredient, providing a tangy bite.
- Onions – Adds a sharp, sweet flavor.
- Bell peppers – For color and sweetness, use a mix of red, yellow, and green.
- Cabbage – Brings texture and a slight sweetness.
- Vinegar – Typically white vinegar for its clean, tangy taste.
- Sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar, with room for adjustments based on your preference.
- Mustard seeds and celery seed – These spices provide warmth and depth to the relish.
Chow Chow Recipe Variations
The traditional chow chow recipe is highly customizable. Depending on what you have available or your flavor preferences, you can tweak the recipe in several ways:
- Substitute bell peppers: Use corn for a sweeter relish or add jalapeños for some heat.
- Add garlic: For extra pungency, try adding 1-2 cloves of minced garlic.
- Experiment with spices: Incorporate spices like turmeric or cumin for additional layers of flavor.
- Sweeten it up: Swap out white sugar for brown sugar to give the relish a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
Ingredients what you need
- 6 large green tomatoes (about 3 pounds)
- 3 medium yellow or white onions
- 3 medium red, yellow, or orange bell peppers (or a mix)
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 1/2 medium head cabbage (about 4 cups after chopping)
- 1/4 cup sea salt, pickling salt, or kosher salt
- 3 1/2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground celery, celery flakes, or celery seed
How to Make Chow Chow Relish
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
To start, gather your green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage. Begin by thoroughly washing all your vegetables to ensure they’re clean and free of any dirt.
- Green tomatoes: Core and quarter the tomatoes.
- Onions: Peel and quarter the onions.
- Bell peppers: Stem, seed, and quarter the peppers.
- Cabbage: Remove the core and quarter the cabbage.
Using either a food processor or a hand-crank food mill, finely chop all the vegetables into small, uniform pieces. Be careful not to over-process, as you want small bits rather than a puree.
Step 2: Salt and Chill
Once your vegetables are chopped, transfer them to a large, non-reactive bowl or pot. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of kosher salt evenly over the top of the vegetables. Using clean hands, mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the salt is well-distributed.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is crucial as it helps draw out excess moisture from the vegetables, leading to a better-textured relish.
Step 3: Drain the Vegetables
After chilling, remove the bowl from the fridge and transfer the vegetables to a colander. Press down lightly with the back of a spoon to help drain any remaining liquid. Be sure not to rinse the vegetables—just let the excess water drain off.
Step 4: Make the Brine
In a large non-reactive pot, combine the following ingredients to create your brine:
- 3 1/2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground celery seed or celery flakes
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This brine forms the flavorful base of your chow chow relish.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
Once your brine is ready, add the drained vegetables to the pot. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Sterilize the Jars
If you’re planning to can the chow chow for long-term storage, now is the time to sterilize your jars. Place your pint or half-pint jars in a large pot, cover with water, and boil for 10 minutes. Keep the jars hot until you’re ready to fill them.
Step 7: Fill the Jars and Process
Using a ladle and canning funnel, carefully fill each sterilized jar with the hot chow chow mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a dry cloth, then place the lids and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
Using a jar lifter, place the filled jars into a boiling water bath, ensuring that the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch. Process for 10 minutes. After processing, remove the jars from the water and place them on a heatproof surface to cool. Once cool, check the seals—if the lid doesn’t pop when pressed, the jar is sealed.
Step 8: Store the Chow Chow
Once sealed, store your chow chow relish in a cool, dark place. Properly canned chow chow will last for up to a year unopened. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator and use it within 4 months.
What to Serve with Chow Chow Relish
Chow chow relish is a versatile condiment that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some popular ways to use it:
- Dollop on black-eyed peas: Add a spoonful of chow chow to your favorite bean dish for extra flavor.
- Top hot dogs: Use chow chow in place of traditional relish on hot dogs or sausages.
- Serve with collard greens: Chow chow is the perfect tangy accompaniment to earthy collard greens.
- Garnish deviled eggs: Spoon a bit of chow chow on top of deviled eggs for a Southern twist.
- Mix into cream cheese: Combine chow chow with cream cheese to create a quick and easy dip for crackers or vegetables.
With its rich flavors, versatility, and historical roots, chow chow relish is a beloved part of Southern cuisine. Whether you’re making a batch to preserve your garden’s harvest or just want to try your hand at canning, this chow chow recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tangy vinegar, crunchy vegetables, and warm spices creates a relish that’s perfect for adding a pop of flavor to any meal. So roll up your sleeves, gather those late summer vegetables, and start creating a pantry staple that will last well into the colder months.
