Old-fashioned chow chow relish is a delightful condiment that encapsulates the essence of traditional Southern preserving and home-cooked goodness. This tangy, spicy relish is a staple in Southern kitchens, celebrated for its unique combination of pickled vegetables and bold, traditional Southern flavors. Made from a medley of chopped vegetables, such as cabbage, bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers, chow chow relish offers a vibrant burst of taste that enhances a wide range of dishes, from burgers and hot dogs to roasted meats and even as topping for collard greens.
The charm of old-fashioned chow relish lies in its meticulous preparation and its ability to capture the essence of home canning. The vegetables are finely chopped and combined with a tangy mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices, creating a sweet-and-sour flavor profile that is both complex and satisfying.
A blend of herbs, such as mustard seeds, turmeric, and celery seeds, adds a distinctive kick and depth of flavor that sets this relish apart from more conventional condiments.
To prepare this classic relish, the vegetables are first brined to enhance their crunch and flavor, then simmered in a spiced vinegar mixture until tender and infused with the pickling spices. The result is a relish that is both tangy and slightly sweet, with a perfect balance of heat and spice.
Old-fashioned chow chow relish is not just a fantastic way to preserve the abundance of summer’s vegetable harvest, but also a cherished addition to any meal. It adds a layer of complexity and richness to dishes, making it a beloved recipe in many homes. Whether savored as a condiment, a side dish, or a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes, chow relish is a timeless treat that brings a touch of Southern tradition to your table.
Ingredients ;
1 pound Onions, chopped
1 pound Cabbage, chopped
2 pounds Red bell peppers, chopped
2 pounds Green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves Garlic
4 cups Green tomatoes, peeled and chopped
3 cups Sugar
2 cups Apple cider vinegar
2 cups White distilled vinegar
2 tbsp Pickling salt
2 tbsp Prepared Mustard
1 tbsp Celery seeds
1 tbsp Mustard seeds
2 to 1 tbsp Red pepper flakes, to taste
1 ½ tsp Turmeric
1 ½ tsp Allspice
1 ½ tsp Ground Ginger
How to make chow chow Relish
Step1. Mix salt with cabbage, onion, bell peppers,, and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. Drain completely after refrigerating.
Step2. Toast the celery and mustard seeds in a large pan for 1 minute or until fragrant. Let them cook at room temperature.
Step3. Add turmeric, sugar, prepared mustard, allspice, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and white vinegar to the pan and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Step4. Add drained vegetables and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the cabbage blooms and is still crunchy.
Step5. Pack in a Sterilised Glass jar and seal with paraffin wax.
Step6. Store for a month and enjoy.
Old-fashioned chow chow relish
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- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Old-fashioned chow chow relish is a delightful condiment that encapsulates the essence of traditional Southern preserving and home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
1 pound Onions, chopped
1 pound Cabbage, chopped
2 pounds Red bell peppers, chopped
2 pounds Green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves Garlic
4 cups Green tomatoes, peeled and chopped
3 cups Sugar
2 cups Apple cider vinegar
2 cups White distilled vinegar
2 tbsp Pickling salt
2 tbsp Prepared Mustard
1 tbsp Celery seeds
1 tbsp Mustard seeds
2 to 1 tbsp Red pepper flakes, to taste
1 ½ tsp Turmeric
1 ½ tsp Allspice
1 ½ tsp Ground Ginger
Instructions
1.Mix salt with cabbage, onion, bell peppers,, and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. Drain completely after refrigerating.
2.Toast the celery and mustard seeds in a large pan for 1 minute or until fragrant. Let them cook at room temperature.
3.Add turmeric, sugar, prepared mustard, allspice, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and white vinegar to the pan and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4.Add drained vegetables and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the cabbage blooms and is still crunchy.
5.Pack in a Sterilised Glass jar and seal with paraffin wax.
6.Store for a month and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 480
- Cook Time: 25
