Southern cuisine is filled with classic recipes, but this chow chow recipe stands out for its bold, tangy flavor and versatility. This homemade chow chow relish is a must-have condiment, adding a punch of brightness to everything from sandwiches to grilled meats. If you’ve never tried making chow chow before, this recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step, so you can enjoy this Southern favorite at home.
For more Southern recipes, check out this smoked BBQ chicken thighs guide that pairs perfectly with your homemade chow chow relish.
What is Chow Chow?
Chow chow is a type of Southern relish made from a variety of vegetables, usually including cabbage, green tomatoes, onions, and peppers, all finely chopped and preserved in a tangy vinegar brine. It’s a zesty, slightly sweet, and crunchy relish that adds texture and flavor to meals. Traditionally, chow chow was a way for people to use up the last of their summer garden vegetables, preserving them for the colder months.
This chow chow recipe is rooted in Southern tradition, often served alongside beans, hot dogs, sandwiches, and more. Its versatility is one of the reasons it has remained popular throughout generations.
Ingredients for Homemade Chow Chow
To make this classic chow chow recipe, you’ll need fresh vegetables and some basic pantry ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium head of Cabbage (finely chopped)
- 6 Green Tomatoes (diced)
- 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 Red Bell Peppers (diced)
- 2 Green Bell Peppers (diced)
- 4 cups of Vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cups of Sugar
- 2 tablespoons of Mustard Seeds
- 1 tablespoon of Celery Seeds
- 1 tablespoon of Turmeric
- 1 tablespoon of Salt
- 1 teaspoon of Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
This combination of ingredients will give your homemade chow chow its classic tangy-sweet flavor with just a hint of spice. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chow Chow
Here’s how to make your own batch of homemade chow chow relish from scratch:
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Begin by finely chopping your cabbage, green tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. The key to good chow chow is uniformity in the size of your vegetable pieces, so try to keep everything evenly chopped. If you prefer, you can use a food processor to speed up the chopping process.
Step 2: Salt the Vegetables
Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl and sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of salt over them. Stir to combine, then cover the bowl and let the mixture sit for 4 hours (or overnight in the refrigerator). This step helps draw out excess moisture from the vegetables, which will give your chow chow relish a better texture.
Step 3: Rinse and Drain
After the vegetables have rested, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove the excess salt. Drain them well, pressing down gently to remove as much water as possible. This will help the vegetables maintain their crunch during the cooking process.
Step 4: Prepare the Pickling Brine
In a large pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
Add the drained vegetables to the vinegar mixture in the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the brine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Step 6: Jar the Chow Chow
Once the chow chow is done cooking, it’s time to jar it. Ladle the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal them with sterilized lids. If you plan to store the chow chow for a long time, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they’re properly sealed.
Tips for Perfecting Your Southern Chow Chow
Achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your chow chow recipe can take a bit of practice. Here are some tips to help you get it just right:
- Adjust the sugar: If you prefer a sweeter relish, feel free to add more sugar to the brine. On the flip side, reduce the sugar slightly for a tangier version.
- Add heat: If you like your chow chow relish with a little kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix.
- Mind the salt: Salting the vegetables is an essential step for drawing out excess moisture, but be sure to rinse them well afterward to avoid an overly salty relish.
- Spices make a difference: Don’t skip the mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric—they give chow chow its characteristic depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Chow Chow
Chow chow is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways. Here are a few ideas for incorporating this homemade relish into your meals:
- Top off beans: Serve a spoonful of chow chow on top of a bowl of Southern-style beans for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sandwiches: Chow chow adds a delicious crunch to burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.
- Grilled Meats: Use chow chow as a condiment for grilled pork, chicken, or sausage.
- With Cheese: It pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar or a cheese platter as a tangy, sweet contrast.
For more ways to use chow chow, try pairing it with smoked BBQ chicken thighs—the tangy flavor complements the smokiness of the chicken.
How to Store and Preserve Chow Chow
Once you’ve made your chow chow, you’ll want to store it properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Here’s how:
Storing:
- In the fridge: Once opened, store your jars of chow chow in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months.
- In the pantry: If you’ve processed your jars in a water bath, sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Preserving:
- Water bath canning: For long-term storage, be sure to process your filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This method ensures the jars are properly sealed and safe to store at room temperature.
FAQs
- Can I use different vegetables in my chow chow?
- Yes! While cabbage, green tomatoes, and peppers are traditional, you can experiment with other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or even corn.
- Can I make chow chow without sugar?
- You can reduce the sugar, but keep in mind that it helps balance the acidity of the vinegar. Try using a sugar substitute like honey if you prefer.
- Is chow chow spicy?
- Traditionally, chow chow isn’t very spicy, but you can add more heat with extra red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- How long does homemade chow chow last?
- If properly canned, sealed jars can last up to a year in the pantry. Once opened, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
- Can I freeze chow chow?
- Freezing isn’t ideal for chow chow, as it can affect the texture of the vegetables. It’s best to can it for long-term storage.
- What can I serve chow chow with?
- Chow chow is a great condiment for beans, sandwiches, grilled meats, or even as a topping for cheese and crackers.
- How do I make chow chow less sweet?
- Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to your liking. You can also add more vinegar for a tangier flavor.
- What’s the difference between chow chow and pickle relish?
- While both are tangy and made with vegetables, chow chow typically includes a variety of veggies like cabbage and peppers, while pickle relish is usually made with cucumbers.
With this simple and delicious chow chow recipe, you’ll have a versatile relish that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re preserving the last of your summer vegetables or just want to enjoy a taste of Southern tradition, this homemade chow chow is a must-try!