Homemade Chow Chow Relish – A Classic Southern Condiment
Chow Chow relish is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy vegetable relish made from green tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and peppers. A staple in Southern kitchens, it pairs perfectly with beans, cornbread, BBQ, and more. This easy-to-make relish is great for preserving fresh produce and adds a bright, zesty kick to any meal. Follow this simple step-by-step recipe to create your own batch of homemade Chow Chow!
Equipment
- Large pot (for cooking the relish)
- Cutting board & sharp knife (for chopping vegetables)
- Colander (for draining vegetables)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Glass jars with lids (for storage)
- Canning tongs & funnel (if canning)
Ingredients
- Vegetables:
- 4 cups green tomatoes finely chopped
- 2 cups cabbage finely shredded
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cup green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 jalapeños finely chopped (optional for spice)
- Brine & Seasonings:
- 2 cups white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a fruitier taste
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp celery seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric for color and flavor
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for extra heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and finely chop the green tomatoes, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños.
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped vegetables with 1 tbsp salt and let sit for 2-3 hours in a colander to drain excess moisture.
- Rinse the vegetables thoroughly and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Cook the Chow Chow Relish:
- In a large pot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the drained vegetables to the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Canning the Relish (Optional):
- While the relish is cooking, sterilize glass jars by boiling them in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Carefully ladle the hot Chow Chow relish into the jars, leaving ½-inch headspace at the top.
- Seal jars with sterilized lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to ensure safe storage.
- Storing & Serving:
- If properly canned, Chow Chow can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening.
- Serve with black-eyed peas, cornbread, BBQ, sandwiches, or as a zesty topping for grilled meats.
Notes
Sweeter Version: Add an extra ½ cup of sugar for a milder, sweeter relish.
Spicy Kick: Increase the jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a hotter version.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a slightly fruity taste.
Chunky or Smooth: Finely chop vegetables for a smoother relish, or leave them chunkier for more texture.
Spicy Kick: Increase the jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a hotter version.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a slightly fruity taste.
Chunky or Smooth: Finely chop vegetables for a smoother relish, or leave them chunkier for more texture.