How to Make Delicious Homemade Chow Chow Relish: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chow chow relish is a classic Southern condiment that has been around for generations. Traditionally used as a way to preserve surplus vegetables, this flavorful and tangy relish is a fantastic way to enhance your meals. Whether you’re enjoying a backyard barbecue or adding it to your favorite seafood dishes like Snow Crab Legs, chow chow brings an irresistible mix of sweet and tangy flavors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a delicious batch of chow chow relish at home.
What Exactly is Chow Chow Relish?
Chow chow is a versatile, pickled relish made from a medley of vegetables such as cabbage, green tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Its tangy flavor comes from vinegar and sugar, and it’s spiced with mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric, giving it a complex flavor profile that can range from slightly sweet to sour and even a bit spicy. Chow chow is used as a topping for hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches or served alongside hearty Southern dishes like beans and cornbread.
For those unfamiliar with chow chow, think of it as a Southern-style pickle relish, but with a lot more depth and character. It’s incredibly versatile and can even be enjoyed as a dip or a spread on crackers.
History of Chow Chow Relish
The origins of chow chow are a bit murky, but it’s widely accepted that this relish has roots in both Southern and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisines. It likely evolved as a way for home cooks to preserve extra vegetables at the end of the growing season. Over time, chow chow spread throughout the United States and took on regional variations, with different areas putting their own spin on the ingredients and flavor balance.
In the Appalachian region, for example, chow chow often features green tomatoes as the star ingredient, while in Pennsylvania Dutch country, it might include lima beans, corn, and other garden vegetables.
No matter the version, the essence of chow chow is the same: a mix of vegetables preserved in a tangy vinegar brine that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes.
Why Make Chow Chow at Home?
Making your own chow chow relish at home has several advantages. First, it allows you to control the flavor profile, adjusting the sweetness, tanginess, and spice level to your liking. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a perfect recipe for using up excess vegetables from your garden or local farmer’s market.
Another perk of homemade chow chow is that it’s great for canning. If you’re a fan of preserving, you can make a big batch and store it for months, enjoying a taste of summer even in the dead of winter.
Most importantly, homemade chow chow is incredibly delicious and versatile. It can be served with just about any meal, from grilled meats to Southern classics like Chick Fil A Sauce and seafood dishes like Snow Crab Legs. It’s also an excellent way to add flavor to otherwise simple dishes.
Ingredients for Homemade Chow Chow Relish
To make a batch of chow chow, you’ll need a variety of fresh vegetables, along with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green tomatoes | 5 cups |
| Cabbage, chopped | 4 cups |
| Onions, chopped | 2 cups |
| Green bell peppers | 2 |
| Vinegar | 4 cups |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Mustard seeds | 2 tsp |
| Celery seeds | 2 tsp |
| Salt | 2 tbsp |
| Turmeric | 1 tsp |
You can add more flavor to your chow chow, feel free to toss in other vegetables like carrots, corn, or cauliflower.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chow Chow Relish
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by giving your vegetables a good rinse to wash away any dirt or debris. Once they’re clean, chop them into bite-sized pieces. The size of the vegetable pieces is important because it will determine the texture of the final relish. You want everything to be relatively uniform, so it cooks evenly and looks visually appealing.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large pot, toss in your chopped veggies along with vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, salt, and a dash of turmeric. Stir everything together to make sure the vegetables are evenly coated in the vinegar and sugar mixture.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bringthe mixture to a lively boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and allow the relish to cook for around 30 minutes, giving it a stir every so often. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables become tender, and the flavors fuse into that signature tangy, slightly sweet goodness. This step is where the magic happens, as everything comes together into a flavorful relish!
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once your chow chow has finished cooking, remove it from the heat and give it a moment to cool down slightly. If you plan to eat the chow chow right away, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will last for up to two weeks.
For those who want to preserve the chow chow, you can follow proper canning procedures to ensure it stays fresh for months. Sterilize your jars, ladle the hot chow chow into them, and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes.
How to Serve Chow Chow Relish
There are countless ways to serve chow chow relish, making it one of the most versatile condiments in your kitchen. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
- Topping for Hot Dogs and Burgers: Chow chow is a delicious alternative to traditional pickle relish. Its tangy, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with grilled hot dogs and burgers.
- Side for Barbecue: Serve chow chow as a side dish for barbecue meats like pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. The acidity of the relish cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a well balanced bite.
- Seafood Companion: For a Southern-inspired meal, pair chow chow with seafood dishes like Snow Crab Legs or shrimp. The crisp, tangy flavor of the relish adds brightness to rich seafood dishes.
- Vegetarian Delight: Use chow chow as a topping for veggie burgers, sandwiches, or even grain bowls for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs About Chow Chow Relish
Can I Make Chow Chow Without Cabbage?
Absolutely! While cabbage is a common ingredient in chow chow, you can easily substitute it with other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or even zucchini.
Can I Freeze Chow Chow Relish?
Yes! You can freeze chow chow by placing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
What’s the Difference Between Chow Chow and Piccalilli?
Chow chow and piccalilli are similar, but there are some key differences. Piccalilli often contains larger chunks of vegetables and is spiced with mustard, while chow chow typically has a finer texture and a more balanced sweet-and-tangy flavor.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
Absolutely! You can definitely play around with the amount of sugar in this recipe to suit your taste buds. If you prefer a tangier relish, reduce the sugar, or if you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more.
Final Thoughts
Chow chow relish is incredibly versatile, whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, seafood, or Southern staples like Chick Fil A Sauce, this homemade chow chow is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
The beauty of making chow chow at home is that you can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes and use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve the harvest from your garden, allowing you to enjoy fresh, tangy flavors all year long.
So why not give this chow chow recipe a try? It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for canning or sharing with friends and family. Let us know in the comments how your chow chow turns out and what dishes you’ll be serving it with!
