Grandma’s Cozy Chow Chow (Old Fashioned) Recipe

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind when I think about this classic chow chow recipe.

Southern tables once celebrated this vibrant relish as a precious culinary treasure.

Pickled vegetables mingled with tangy spices create a nostalgic condiment that whispers stories of bygone harvest seasons.

Crisp cabbage, green tomatoes, and onions blend into a colorful medley that captures traditional preservation techniques.

Generations have cherished this humble mixture as a perfect accompaniment to hearty meals.

Small-batch canning enthusiasts still treasure these time-honored techniques that connect us to our agricultural roots.

Preserving summer’s bounty becomes an art form with this delightful recipe waiting to revive your pantry’s spirit.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this delectable Southern tradition.

Why Chow Chow Adds Big Flavor to Any Plate

• Capture generations of Southern cooking wisdom in one delicious condiment that connects you to family heritage and classic recipes.
• Adjust spice levels and vegetable mix to suit personal taste, making this versatile relish perfect for experimenting home cooks who love culinary creativity.
• Transform seasonal garden surplus into a delectable preserve that extends the life of fresh vegetables while reducing food waste and creating a pantry staple.
• Elevate sandwiches, grilled meats, and barbecue dishes with a tangy, crunchy condiment that adds instant excitement to everyday meals without complicated preparation.

Ingredients to Make Classic Old-Fashioned Chow Chow

• Cabbage, Green Tomatoes, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper: Crisp and colorful base that provides a tangy and fresh foundation for the chow chow. Choose fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors and no blemishes.

• Salt: Helps draw out moisture and enhance vegetable flavors. Use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Mustard Seeds, Celery Seeds, Turmeric, Ginger, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds complex, warming spices that provide depth and kick to the relish. Fresh spices will give more intense flavor.

• Sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creates a sweet and tangy brine that preserves and flavors the vegetables. Choose high-quality apple cider vinegar with good acidity. Use granulated white sugar for clear, clean sweetness.

How to Prep and Preserve Chow Chow Relish

Step 1: Chop and Salt Veggies

• Finely dice cabbage
• Chop green tomatoes
• Slice onions
• Dice red bell peppers
• Dice green bell peppers

Toss all vegetables with salt in a large bowl. Let sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours to release moisture.

Step 2: Rinse and Drain Vegetables

Thoroughly wash vegetables under cold running water. Drain completely in a colander.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Brine

• Sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Mustard seeds
• Celery seeds
• Turmeric
• Fresh ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Bring mixture to a rolling boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Simmer Vegetable Mixture

Add drained vegetables to the brine. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften and liquid thickens.

Step 5: Preserve Your Chow Chow

Canning Method:

Sterilize glass jars and lids. Carefully ladle hot chow chow into jars, leaving small space at top. Seal tightly and process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Refrigerator Method:

Cool mixture completely. Transfer to airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one month.

Tips for the Perfect Crunch and Tang

• Drain Vegetables Thoroughly: Pat the rinsed vegetables completely dry with clean kitchen towels to prevent watery chow chow and ensure a thick, rich consistency.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat- fewer flakes for mild, more for a spicy kick that adds depth to the relish.
• Choose Fresh Produce Wisely: Select crisp, firm green tomatoes and cabbage for the best texture and crunchiness in your chow chow.
• Master Canning Safety: Use sterilized jars, clean rims, and process correctly to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life of your homemade relish.
• Control Sweetness Balance: Taste the brine before adding vegetables and adjust sugar levels to achieve a perfect sweet-tangy harmony that complements your dish.

Storage Tips for Keeping Chow Chow Fresh

• Store chow chow in an airtight glass or ceramic container to maintain freshness. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator for maximum preservation.
• Properly stored homemade chow chow will stay delicious for 3-4 weeks when refrigerated. Check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
• Transfer chow chow to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Gently warm chow chow in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid high temperatures to preserve texture and flavor of the vegetables.

Dishes That Pair Well with This Zesty Condiment

• Southern-Style Chow Chow Pairings
• Elevate grilled pulled pork, smoked brisket, or fried chicken with the tangy, sweet crunch of chow chow. Its zesty profile cuts through rich meats perfectly.
• Serve alongside sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or aged parmesan. The relish's bright acidity balances the cheese's richness, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Match with cold craft beer like a crisp wheat ale or light lager. The refreshing brew complements the relish's vibrant, spicy undertones and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Select a slightly sweet Riesling or an off-dry Gewürztraminer. These wines harmonize with the chow chow's sweet-and-sour notes, enhancing the overall dining pleasure.

Chow Chow Variations Across the South

• Spicy Chow Chow: Add jalapeños or habanero peppers to increase heat level and create a fiery version of the traditional recipe.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free and ensure no cross-contamination during preparation.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Fermented Vegetable Blend: Incorporate probiotic elements by allowing vegetables to ferment slightly before final cooking process, enhancing gut-friendly qualities.

Chow Chow (Old Fashioned) Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines in this nostalgic Chow Chow pickle relish, blending crisp garden vegetables with tangy, sweet pickling spices. Family gatherings come alive with one spoonful of this traditional Southern condiment that connects generations through its rich, homemade flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 medium head green cabbage, finely chopped
• 4 medium green tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced

Preserving Agent:

• ¼ cup (60 g / 2.1 ounces) kosher salt

Seasoning and Liquid Components:

• 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 ounces) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16.2 fluid ounces) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate chopped cabbage, green tomatoes, onion, crimson and emerald bell peppers. Massage salt into the vegetable medley, ensuring comprehensive coating.
2. Allow the vegetable mixture to rest uncovered at ambient temperature for approximately 4-6 hours, permitting natural moisture extraction.
3. Thoroughly rinse the salted vegetables under frigid water, eliminating excess sodium. Carefully drain using a colander.
4. Construct the pickling elixir by combining sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard and celery seeds, turmeric, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a substantial cooking vessel. Elevate temperature to generate a rolling boil, continuously stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
5. Introduce drained vegetables into the aromatic liquid. Reduce thermal intensity, allowing mixture to gently simmer for 30 minutes. Periodically stir to prevent adherence and promote even flavor distribution.
6. For preservation, sanitize glass containers and lids through boiling sterilization technique.
7. Carefully ladle piping hot chow chow into sterilized receptacles, maintaining minimal half-inch headspace. Meticulously cleanse rim edges, secure lids tightly, and conduct water bath processing for 10 minutes.
8. Permit jars to cool naturally at room temperature. Store in cool, shadowy environment for extended preservation up to one calendar year.
9. For immediate consumption, transfer cooled mixture into hermetically sealed container. Refrigerate, maintaining optimal taste for approximately one month.

Notes

• Salting pulls moisture from vegetables, creating a crisp texture and preventing sogginess during pickling.
• Rinse vegetables thoroughly to remove excess salt and prevent overly salty relish.
• Choose fresh, firm vegetables for the best crunch and vibrant flavor in your chow chow.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to suit personal heat preferences.
• For a low-sugar version, replace sugar with a small amount of honey or stevia.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like cauliflower or carrots to create unique flavor combinations.
• Use clean, sterilized jars and utensils to prevent bacterial contamination during canning.
• Store refrigerated chow chow in glass containers to maintain flavor and prevent plastic absorption.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding 46 hours resting)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 133
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg