Chow Chow Recipe: A Flavorful Delight

Welcome to the delightful world of Chow Chow Recipe. This tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy relish has been a beloved part of Southern cuisine for generations. Whether you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes or preserve fresh vegetables in a unique way, this Chow Chow recipe will guide you through the process. From its rich history to its versatile uses, get ready to create a relish that will elevate your meals with every bite. Let’s dive in!

Introduction.

Chow Chow is a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy pickle relish, loved for its versatility and bold flavor. Whether used as a condiment for sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs or as a side dish to complement various meals, this relish adds a burst of taste to any dish. Here’s a complete guide to making Chow Chow relish at home, packed with flavor and tradition!

Recipe Overview

Cuisine: Southern American, Appalachian
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Difficulty: Easy

What is Chow Chow Recipe?

Chow Chow Recipe is a pickled vegetable relish traditionally made with green tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and peppers. It’s known for its sweet and tangy taste with a slight heat, making it a perfect condiment for sandwiches, hot dogs, or grilled meats. In the American South, it’s particularly popular as a way to preserve summer vegetables for winter months.

What Does Chow Chow Taste Like?

Chow Chow Recipe is a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The vinegar provides a tangy base, while sugar adds sweetness. Spices such as mustard seed, turmeric, and red pepper flakes give it a slight kick, but the vegetables themselves add freshness and crunch. The result is a relish that is complex, layered, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients

Below I have listed the list of Ingredients required to prepare Chow Chow Recipe:

• Vegetables:
  • 4 cups of green tomatoes (diced)
  • 2 cups of green cabbage (shredded)
  • 1 cup of bell peppers (green, red, or yellow, diced)
  • 1 cup of onions (diced)
  • 1 cup of carrots (optional, grated)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Pickling Mixture:
  • 1 ½ cups white vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 2 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp celery seeds
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Equipment

Below I have listed the list of equipment required to prepare Chow Chow Recipe:

• Large mixing bowls
• Large pot for cooking
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Stirring spoon
• Sterilized jars (for storing the relish)
• Funnel (optional, for easier jar filling)

How To Make Chow Chow Relish

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by chopping all your vegetables (tomatoes, cabbage, bell peppers, onions, carrots, garlic). Aim for uniform pieces for even texture and flavor.
2. Soak the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the vegetables and salt. Refrigerate the mixture for 4-6 hours, or overnight. This helps remove extra moisture from the vegetables. 
3. Cook the Pickling Liquid: In a large pot, mix together the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Add the Vegetables:Drain the vegetables thoroughly. Add them to the pot with the pickling mixture and simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, until the veggies soften and absorb the flavors.
5. Pack the Jars: Once cooked, carefully spoon the Chow Chow into sterilized jars. Allow approximately ½ inch of room at the top of each jar. Seal the jars tightly.
6. Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely at room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

• On Sandwiches: Use Chow Chow Recipe as a tangy topping for deli sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs.
• With Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, pork, or beef for a zesty accompaniment.
• In Salads: Mix a spoonful into potato salads or coleslaw for an extra flavor boost.
• With Beans: In Southern cuisine, Chow Chow is often served with pinto beans or black-eyed peas.

Storage Techniques

• Refrigerator: Chow Chow will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 months in sealed jars.
• Canning: If you follow proper canning procedures (using a hot water bath to seal the jars), the relish can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
• Freezing: While Chow Chow is usually preserved by canning, it can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 6 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as it will expand when frozen.

Expert Tips

• Balance the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet relish, reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but be cautious not to overpower the balance of flavors.
• Add Spice: If you love a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a few chopped jalapeños to the mix.
• Customize the Vegetables: You can experiment with different vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or corn for a unique twist on traditional Chow Chow.

Health Benefits of Chow Chow

Chow Chow offers several health benefits due to its vegetable base and use of vinegar:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Vegetables like cabbage, tomatoes, and bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation.
• Digestive Aid: The vinegar in Chow Chow supports digestion by promoting the production of stomach acid and balancing gut bacteria.
• Low in Calories: Chow Chow is naturally low in calories, making it a healthy and flavorful condiment.
• High in Vitamins: The vegetables used provide essential vitamins like Vitamin C, A, and fiber.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Vitamin C: 20% of Daily Value

History and Origin of Chow Chow

Chow Chow is believed to have originated from Chinese immigrants who came to America in the 1800s, bringing with them various pickling techniques. The dish later evolved in the Southern United States, especially in Appalachian regions, where home canning was a way of life. It became a staple for preserving excess summer vegetables, and over time, different regions developed their own variations of the recipe, with different spices and vegetable combinations.

Wrapping Up

Chow Chow is more than just a relish; it’s a flavorful tradition rooted in Southern culture. This recipe allows you to bring that tradition into your home with a vibrant mix of vegetables and spices. Whether you’re topping off a hot dog or adding it to your salad, Chow Chow is sure to elevate your meals with its bold and tangy taste. Give it a try, and soon it may become a staple in your kitchen too!

Some Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Tomato Jam Recipe
• Ground Venison Recipes
• Texas Roadhouse Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make Chow Chow without sugar?
A: Yes, you can reduce or eliminate sugar, but the relish will lose some of its sweetness. You can substitute with a sweetener like honey or a sugar alternative for a low-sugar version.

Q: What are some variations of Chow Chow?
A: Some variations include adding cauliflower, green beans, or corn. You can also experiment with different spices like allspice, coriander, or cloves.

Q: How long should Chow Chow sit before eating?
A: While you can eat it right away, it’s best to let Chow Chow sit for at least 1-2 weeks to allow the flavors to meld.

Q: Can I make Chow Chow spicy?
A: Absolutely! You can add more red pepper flakes, or include chopped jalapeños for extra heat.

Enjoy making and savoring this flavorful relish!