Chow chow is a beloved Southern relish. It mixes tart, sweet, crunchy, and spicy tastes. It’s made with leftover garden veggies like green tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and cabbage.
This simple recipe focuses on four main veggies: onions, cabbage, green tomatoes, and bell peppers. They’re pickled in a tasty brine. The brine includes white vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric.
Key Takeaways
- Chow chow is a classic Southern relish made with end-of-season garden vegetables
- This recipe uses onions, cabbage, green tomatoes, and green and red bell peppers
- The vegetables are pickled in a brine of white vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices
- Chow chow can be served as a condiment with a variety of Southern dishes
- The relish can be canned and stored for up to one year
What is Southern Chow Chow Relish
Chow chow is a tangy and sweet pickle relish from the Southern United States, especially in the Appalachian region. It’s a key part of Southern culture and loved by many families.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Chow chow comes from Appalachian cuisine. It was made with local veggies and kept for winter. Over time, each family made their own version, showing off local tastes.
Traditional Uses in Southern Cuisine
Chow chow is great for many Southern dishes. It’s a tasty topping for hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. It also adds flavor to fried foods, stews, soups, and casseroles.
Regional Variations
Chow chow’s ingredients vary by region. In Pennsylvania Dutch areas, it includes carrots, cauliflower, and beans. In the Carolinas, it’s sweeter, while Georgia and Alabama’s versions are zestier.
Despite these differences, chow chow is a cherished Southern condiment. It’s a big part of Appalachian cuisine and Southern cooking traditions.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Chow Chow Recipe
To make a true Southern chow chow, you need a few key ingredients. The base is fresh green tomatoes, crisp bell peppers (green and red), crunchy cabbage, and sweet onions like Vidalia.
The pickling brine is made of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, sugar, pickling salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Some recipes add spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, or allspice for more flavor.
“Aunt Alta Rodgers Howie’s chow chow recipe calls for around ½ gallon of green tomatoes, 1 small cabbage, ½ pint onion, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, and a blend of vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seed, turmeric, and other pickling spices.”
Making chow chow involves grinding veggies, salting, boiling vinegar and spices, simmering veggies, and processing in sterile jars. This careful process ensures great flavors and textures.
While recipes vary, the key ingredients are green tomatoes, bell peppers, cabbage, and onions. Add a tasty pickling brine. Try different spice mixes to find your favorite taste.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Making authentic Southern chow chow relish needs the right tools and equipment. You’ll need these for chopping veggies to canning the final product. Having the right tools makes the process smooth and successful.
Essential Canning Supplies
- Water bath canner or large stockpot
- Canning jars (pint or half-pint size)
- Canning lids and bands
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Magnetic lid wand
Food Processing Equipment
You’ll need a food processor or a manual vegetable grinder to chop the veggies finely. A large colander is also key for draining the chopped veggies after processing.
Storage Containers
After making the chow chow, you’ll need glass mason jars with lids and bands for storage. These airtight containers keep the relish fresh for up to 4 months in the fridge.
| Item | Quantity Needed |
|---|---|
| Green tomatoes | 12 pounds |
| Onions | 8 large |
| Bell peppers | 10 |
| Hot peppers | 1/2 cup (6 peppers) |
| Sea salt | 3 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 quart |
| Dry mustard | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 3/4 cups |
Preparing Your Vegetables
Making a true Southern chow chow relish starts with careful chopping and processing. It’s important to chop in small batches to prevent over-processing. This ensures the right texture.
Begin by finely chopping your green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage in a food processor or blender. Make sure not to puree them. You want a relish texture that still has some crunch. Chop each vegetable separately and then mix them together in a big bowl.
After chopping, sprinkle the vegetables with plenty of pickling salt. This step helps remove extra moisture. It also gets the veggies ready for the pickling brine.
- Chop 1.5 lbs of garden vegetables, including green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage, into a fine relish-like consistency using a food processor.
- Add 2 tablespoons of pickling salt to the chopped vegetables and mix well to help draw out moisture.
- Avoid over-processing the vegetables, especially the tomatoes, to maintain the desired texture.
Now that your vegetables are ready, you can move on to making the perfect Southern chow chow relish.
The Perfect Pickling Brine
Making the perfect pickling brine is key to getting that tangy, crunchy taste of Southern Chow Chow relish. It starts with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, making sure it has at least 5% acidity. Spices like mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric add depth and complexity.
Vinegar Selection Tips
Choosing the right vinegar is important. White vinegar gives a clean taste, while apple cider vinegar adds a sweeter note. Pick what you like best.
Spice Blend Components
The spice blend is also crucial. Mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric are the core of the traditional flavor. You can also try other spices like ground coriander, cumin, or crushed red pepper flakes for different tastes.
Sugar and Salt Ratios
Getting the sugar and salt right is key for the perfect flavor. Use pickling salt or kosher salt instead of iodized table salt. The usual mix is 1/4 cup sugar, 1 1/4 cups vinegar, and 1/2 cup water. Feel free to adjust to your liking.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Kosher Salt | 2 tablespoons |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/4 cup |
The perfect brine is all about finding the right mix of pickling spices, vinegar types, and sugar ratios. Try different mixes to find your favorite.
Step-by-Step Chow Chow Recipe
Making the perfect relish recipe for Southern-style Chow Chow is fun. It mixes old traditions with new cooking ways. This guide will show you how to make a tasty condiment. It’s great for both dessert recipes and savory dishes.
- Start by chopping your veggies like green tomatoes, cabbage, and bell peppers. Also, include cucumbers, yellow onions, carrots, and green beans. Mix them with salt and let them sit overnight to blend flavors.
- The next day, rinse and drain the veggies well to get rid of extra moisture.
- In a big pot, mix white vinegar, sugar, and spices. Heat it until boiling, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the drained veggies to the pot. Bring it to a boil again, then simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Ladle the hot Chow Chow into clean jars, leaving some space at the top. Follow the jar’s sealing instructions.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy homemade Chow Chow’s tangy, crunchy, and sweet flavors for months. This recipe makes about 1 quart of relish. A serving size of 1/4 cup has 44 calories, 6.4 grams of sugar, and 84.2 mg of sodium.
Use it as a condiment with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches. Or add it to your favorite dessert recipes. This Chow Chow will make your dishes taste amazing and add Southern charm.
Canning and Preservation Methods
To keep your homemade Southern Chow Chow relish fresh, use the right canning methods. Water bath canning is the best way to make chow chow that lasts up to a year.
Water Bath Canning Process
Start by sterilizing your jars, lids, and rings in boiling water for 5 minutes. Then, remove the hot jars and fill them with the hot chow chow, leaving a 1/2 inch space. Clean the jar rims, put on the lids and rings, and place the jars in a water bath. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch.
Let the jars boil in the water bath for 10 minutes if you’re at 1,000 feet or lower. For higher places, adjust the time: 15 minutes for 1,001 to 6,000 feet, and 20 minutes for above 6,001 feet.
Safety Guidelines
Safe water bath canning is key to avoiding foodborne illness and keeping your chow chow safe. Always stick to USDA guidelines and best practices for safe canning. This way, you can enjoy your homemade relish without worry.
This recipe makes 7 jars of 250 mL each, totaling 1.75 liters of shelf-stable Southern Chow Chow. With just 35 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this tasty food preservation treasure ready to enjoy soon.
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
Properly canned chow chow can change your kitchen game. It lasts up to a year in a cool, dark spot. But once opened, keep it in the fridge for 4 months to keep it fresh.
If you store it in the fridge instead of canning, it lasts 4 months. Watch for mold, color changes, or bad smells before eating.
Freezing chow chow isn’t a good idea. It can mess up the texture and taste. Stick to canning or refrigerating for the best flavor and shelf life.
Food safety is key. Always check your chow chow before eating. Don’t eat anything that looks or smells bad. With a bit of care, you can enjoy this Southern favorite for months.
Key Takeaways:
- Properly canned chow chow can last up to 1 year when stored in a cool, dark place.
- Once opened, refrigerate chow chow and use within 4 months.
- Refrigerator chow chow (not processed in a water bath) can be stored for up to 4 months.
- Freezing chow chow is not recommended as it can affect the texture.
- Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming chow chow.
Follow these storage tips to enjoy homemade chow chow for months. It’s great for food storage and cake decorating. This Southern classic is a must-have in your kitchen.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Southern cuisine is known for bold flavors. The chow chow relish is a perfect example. It goes well with many dishes, from classic Southern favorites to new recipes.
Traditional Southern Combinations
For a real Southern taste, pair chow chow with beans, cornbread, or hot dogs and hamburgers. It also matches the rich taste of BBQ sandwiches. Add it to black-eyed peas or rice for extra flavor. Or, top deviled eggs for a Southern appetizer.
Modern Serving Ideas
Want a modern twist on chow chow? Add it to tacos or grain bowls for a crunchy kick. Mix it into cream cheese for a tasty dip. Or, use it on avocado toast. For a sweet twist, mix it into cream cheese frosting for carrot cake or cupcakes.
There are countless ways to enjoy this versatile Southern condiment. Whether sticking to traditional pairings or trying new ideas, chow chow brings a burst of flavor to your dishes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Canning your homemade Southern Chow Chow relish can be rewarding but comes with challenges. Let’s tackle some common problems and how to fix them.
Watery Relish
Watery chow chow often stems from not draining veggies well before pickling. Make sure to dry the shredded cabbage, onions, and other veggies well. This step prevents too much moisture from making the relish too watery.
Cloudy Brine
A cloudy brine usually comes from using regular table salt. The iodine and additives in table salt can mix poorly with vinegar, causing cloudiness. Always use pure, non-iodized salt for your pickling brine.
Discoloration
Chow chow relish often turns yellowish because of turmeric. This color change is normal and not a sign of spoilage. If jars seal well, the color change is okay.
Unsealed Jars
Don’t worry if some jars don’t seal right. Just refrigerate them and use the chow chow within 4 months. Proper storage and sealing are crucial for keeping your relish fresh.
Flavor Imbalance
Adjusting sweet or sour chow chow is easy in future batches. Start with the recipe, then tweak the sugar and vinegar amounts to get your perfect taste.
Remember, safe canning practices are key to avoiding spoilage and keeping your chow chow relish tasty and shelf-stable. With a bit of troubleshooting, you’ll soon master making your own Southern specialty.
Conclusion
Making your own Southern chow chow relish is a fun cooking adventure. It lets you keep the garden’s fresh produce and enjoy the lively tastes of this Southern recipe. You can make it spicy or sweet, and it’s great with many foods like hot dogs, burgers, salads, and stews.
Creating a real chow chow means picking the freshest veggies, making the right pickling brine, and canning safely. With some effort, you can enjoy this tasty Southern recipe for months. It’s tangy and crunchy, perfect for any time.
Why not try making this relish yourself? Mix up the veggies and spices to create your favorite chow chow. Your taste buds and kitchen will love it!