This traditional chow chow relish transforms simple garden vegetables into a tangy, flavorful condiment that will elevate any meal. With its perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, this chunky relish is the ideal companion for hot dogs, burgers, and classic picnic fare. The combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices creates a versatile condiment that captures the essence of Southern cooking while providing a delicious way to preserve your harvest.
Ingredients
- 6 green tomatoes (about 1.5 kg / 3 lbs), chopped
- 1 yellow onion (150g / 5 oz), chopped
- 1 green bell pepper (150g / 5 oz), chopped
- 1 red bell pepper (150g / 5 oz), chopped
- 3 cups cabbage (300g / 10 oz), chopped
- 1/3 cup pickling salt (85g / 3 oz)
- 3 cups white vinegar (720ml / 24 fl oz)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (300g / 10.5 oz)
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds (15g / 0.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (2g)
- 2 teaspoons celery seed (4g)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Cut the green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage into 1-inch chunks for easy processing.
- Process the vegetables: Add vegetables to a large food processor and pulse until chopped into small pieces, approximately 1/4-inch in size. Work in batches if necessary.
- Salt and drain: Transfer the chopped vegetable mixture to a large bowl, add pickling salt, and stir well. Cover and refrigerate overnight to draw out excess moisture.
- Remove excess liquid: The next day, squeeze the vegetable mixture with clean hands or strain through cheesecloth to remove accumulated liquid.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the drained vegetables to a Dutch oven. Add white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, and celery seed.
- Cook the relish: Whisk ingredients together and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and mixture has thickened.
- Cool and store: Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before transferring to covered containers.
Time and Serving Information
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight draining)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 cups (1 liter)
Servings: 32 (2 tablespoon servings)
Nutrition Information (per 2 tablespoon serving)
Calories: 25 | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 180mg | Vitamin C: 15% DV
Why This Recipe Is Good and Healthy
Chow chow relish offers numerous health benefits while delivering exceptional flavor. The variety of colorful vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C from the bell peppers and cabbage. The fermentation-like process of salting and draining vegetables helps break down cell walls, making nutrients more bioavailable. Turmeric adds anti-inflammatory properties, while the vinegar may help with blood sugar regulation. This low-calorie condiment is an excellent way to increase vegetable intake and add probiotics to your diet. The pickling process preserves vegetables without added preservatives, making it a healthier alternative to commercial relishes that often contain artificial colors and flavors.
Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or process using proper canning methods for long-term storage up to 1 year.