If you’ve got a bunch of veggies hanging around and you’re wondering what to do with them, let me introduce you to chow relish! This tangy, slightly sweet condiment is a Southern favorite that turns leftover summer veggies into magical ones. Chow chow always brings the flavor, whether you’re topping black-eyed peas, adding a kick to your hot dog, or mixing it into dips.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about making the best chow chow recipe at home. It’s easier than you might think, from prepping fresh veggies to perfecting the brine. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you’re cutting down on food waste in the tastiest way possible.
Introduction to Chow Chow Recipe
What Is Chow Chow Relish?
Chow chow is a tangy, vinegar-based relish made with a mix of chopped vegetables like green tomatoes, cabbage, and bell peppers. It’s typically a little sweet, a little sour, and packed with crunch. Traditionally, it was created to preserve the last summer harvest, so it’s all about using what’s left in the garden. These days, though, it’s become a beloved condiment for its bold flavors and versatility.
Why Make Chow Chow at Home?
Making chow chow relish at home has its perks. For one, you control the ingredients—no mystery preservatives here! You can also tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Want it spicy? Toss in some jalapeños. Prefer it sweeter? Adjust the sugar. Plus, homemade chow chow makes a great gift (if you’re willing to share). Once you’ve tried making it, you’ll never look at your end-of-summer veggies the same way again.
Ingredients Needed for Chow Chow Recipe
Essential Vegetables: Green Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Cabbage
You’ll need fresh, crisp veggies as the show’s star to make the best chow chow recipe at home. The traditional base includes green tomatoes, which bring tanginess, and bell peppers (a mix of red, orange, and green adds color and sweetness). You’ll also need cabbage, which adds crunch and balances the other flavors. For a little bite, include onions, preferably yellow or white—they’ll mellow out as they cook.
Vinegar and Spice Essentials for the Tangy Flavor
The magic of chow chow relish comes from its tangy brine, which is made with white vinegar and a touch of sugar. You’ll also need yellow mustard seeds for that zippy, mustardy note and celery seed or ground celery for depth. Salt is essential, too—pickling or kosher salt works best because it dissolves evenly without clouding the brine.
Optional Add-Ins for Customization
Here’s where you can get creative! Want a little heat? Toss in a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a golden hue, try adding turmeric. Some folks even mix in a cup of corn kernels for sweetness or a clove of minced garlic for extra flavor. The beauty of chow chow is that it’s flexible, so you can make it your own.
Preparing the Vegetables
How to Choose Fresh Vegetables for the Best Chow Chow
For the freshest flavor, pick veggies that are firm and unblemished. If you’ve got a garden, this is the perfect way to use up those slightly underripe tomatoes or oddly shaped peppers that didn’t make it to the salad bowl. No garden? No problem! Hit up your local farmer’s market for a colorful mix.
Step-by-Step Guide to Chopping and Preparing
Start by washing your vegetables thoroughly nobody wants gritty chow chow relish. Chop green tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions into small, bite-sized pieces. A food processor can save time, but be careful not to overdo it; you’re aiming for small, uniform chunks, not a puree. Remove the outer leaves, core them, and finely shred them with a sharp knife for cabbage.
Salting and Resting the Vegetables: Why It’s Important
Once your veggies are chopped, it’s time for a key step: salting. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of kosher salt over the chopped vegetables, then mix well. Let the mixture sit in the fridge for 4 hours (or overnight if you’ve got time). This removes excess moisture, helping the veggies stay crisp and ensuring your chow recipe isn’t watery . After resting, drain the veggies in a colander, pressing lightly to remove any lingering liquid.
Making the Brine
The Role of Vinegar in Chow Chow Relish
The brine is the backbone of the best chow chow recipe at home. Its tangy kick comes from white vinegar , which adds flavor and preserves the relish. The vinegar balances the sweetness and enhances the natural tang of the vegetables, making them irresistible.
Mixing the Brine: Key Ingredients and Proportions
To make the perfect brine, combine 3 ½ cups of white vinegar, 1 cup of sugar , 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds, and one teaspoon of celery seeds in a large, non-reactive pot . Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely. If you like a touch of spice, toss a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of turmeric for a warm color and added depth.
Simmering the Brine for Perfect Flavor
Once the brine is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully . While the brine simmers, prepare your drained vegetables so everything can come together.
For more inspiration on savory dishes, check out this Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe, another fantastic way to elevate your meals.
Cooking and Canning Chow Chow Relish
Cooking the Relish to Perfection
Once your brine is ready, add the prepared vegetables to the pot . Stir well to coat them evenly, then bring the mixture back to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the relish cook for 10 minutes , stirring occasionally . This process softens the veggies slightly while locking in their crispness.
Canning Chow Chow for Long-Term Storage
If you want your chow chow relish to last beyond a few weeks, canning is the way to go. While the relish cooks, prepare your canning setup. Sterilize pint jars by boiling them for 10 minutes and keep them warm until you’re ready to use them.
Fill each sterilized jar with hot chow chow relish, leaving ½ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place sterilized lids on top, and screw the bands until just fingertip-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them properly.
Storing and Refrigerating Options
No time for canning? No problem! You can store your chow chow recipe in the fridge for up to 4 months. Let the jars cool to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator.
Want another fun recipe to preserve summer flavors? Try this Perfect Date Nut Bread Recipe for a sweet treat alongside your savory relish.
Variations on the Chow Chow Recipe
Spicy Chow Chow: Adding Heat with Jalapeños or Red Pepper Flakes
If you’re a fan of heat, turning up the spice in your chow chow recipe is super easy. Add one chopped jalapeño or ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix or brine. You can experiment with habanero peppers for even more kick—but a little goes a long way! Spicy chow chow relish is perfect for topping grilled meats or adding a punch to your favorite beans.
Sweet and Tangy: Adjusting Sugar Levels
Prefer a sweeter twist? Increase the sugar in the brine by ½ cup for a more pronounced sweetness. Brown sugar can also be used instead of white sugar to add a hint of molasses flavor. This variation pairs wonderfully with salty snacks like crackers or fried green tomatoes.
Creative Twists: Adding Corn, Garlic, or Turmeric
Try adding 1 cup of corn kernels for a unique spin for extra sweetness and texture. Minced garlic cloves (about 2-3) bring a savory depth that complements the tanginess. A pinch of turmeric will add a warm, golden hue and subtle earthiness. These additions make the relish stand out and work exceptionally well as a topping for deviled eggs or as a side for barbecue dishes.
Serving Ideas for Chow Chow Relish
Classic Pairings: Peas, Greens, and Beans
Chow chow relish has long been a staple in Southern kitchens, often served atop black-eyed peas, white beans, or collard greens. Its tangy, bright flavor cuts through the richness of these hearty dishes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal .
Using Chow Chow in Sandwiches and Hot Dogs
Who says relish is just for hot dogs? Chow chow makes a fantastic topping for sandwiches, burgers , and hot dogs! Its crunchy texture and zingy taste add a gourmet touch to everyday meals. Try it on a pulled pork sandwich , or mix it into a chicken salad for something different.
Other Unique Ways to Enjoy Chow Chow
Get creative! Mix chow chow relish into cream cheese to whip up a quick dip for crackers or veggies. It also works beautifully as a garnish for deviled eggs, adding a tangy twist to a classic appetizer. You can even serve it alongside sharp cheddar and crackers for a Southern-inspired cheese board.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Chow Chow Too Watery? Fixing Texture Problems
If your chow relish seems too watery, the problem might be excess vegetable liquid. Ensure you don’t skip the salting and draining step—it’s crucial for pulling out moisture. After draining, press the vegetables gently with a spoon or your hands to squeeze out any extra liquid. If the relish is still watery after cooking, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken the brine.
Balancing Sweetness and Tanginess
Sometimes, your chow chow recipe might be too sweet or tangy. If it’s overly sweet, add a splash of vinegar to the brine to balance it. For a too-tangy relish, stir in sugar to mellow the flavor. Adjusting in small increments is key to finding the perfect balance.
Properly Sealing and Storing Your Chow Chow
If your jars didn’t seal during the canning process, don’t panic. Refrigerate the unsealed jars and use them within 4 months. To avoid this in the future, double-check that jar rims are clean and that the lids are screwed on properly before processing.
FAQs Section
What Is the Shelf Life of Chow Chow?
Properly canned chow chow relish can last up to 1 year when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and use it within 4 months for the best flavor.
Can I Make Chow Chow Without Canning?
Yes! If you don’t want to, store your chow chow recipe in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. Without the canning process, the relish will keep for about 4 months.
What Are the Health Benefits of Chow Chow?
This tangy relish is packed with nutrients from the vegetables. Green tomatoes, bell peppers, and cabbage are all rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Its low-calorie, vinegar-based brine makes it a healthier alternative to sugar-heavy condiments.
