Chowchow Recipe: Classic Southern Relish

The classic Southern relish, a staple in many a Southern kitchen. This recipe is a must-have for anyone looking to add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to their dishes.

Chowchow is a traditional Southern condiment made from a mixture of cabbage, onions, and bell peppers. It's a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal.

To make the classic Southern relish, you'll need to start with a base of chopped cabbage. A good rule of thumb is to use about 2 cups of chopped cabbage for every 1 cup of chopped onions and bell peppers.

The key to a great chowchow is to cook the mixture slowly over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. This can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your desired level of tenderness.

Additional reading: What Is Chowchow

Relish is a type of condiment made from pickled vegetables, which is the foundation of chowchow.

It's a tangy and flavorful addition to many dishes, with a focus on preserving the fresh taste of garden produce.

Chowchow, in particular, is a cold, pickled vegetable relish that can be found in various forms across different regions.

The Southern version of chowchow is a staple in many Southern kitchens, often made with a combination of bell peppers, sweet onions, tomatoes, and cabbage.

In contrast, the Northern version, which originated with the Amish communities of Pennsylvania, typically includes other veggies like cauliflower, carrots, or beans.

The use of apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar is a distinctive feature of chowchow made in Tennessee.

Worth a look: Chowchow Tongue

Making Relish is a straightforward process that yields a delicious and tangy condiment. Chop vegetables finely using a food processor or grinder.

To prepare the vegetables for cooking, place them in a large colander and rinse very well under cold running water. Divide into smaller batches if necessary.

Combine the remaining ingredients with the chopped vegetables and heat to boiling. Boil for 4 minutes, then ladle the mixture into clean pint jars that have been sterilized in boiling water.

To make a delicious chow chow relish, start by chopping vegetables finely using a food processor or grinder.

You'll want to place the chopped vegetables in a large colander and rinse them very well under cold running water to remove any impurities.

Drain the vegetables thoroughly and divide them into smaller batches if necessary to make the process easier.

Combine the remaining ingredients with the chopped vegetables and pour the mixture into a large stockpot.

Heat the mixture to boiling and then boil for 4 minutes to create the perfect relish consistency.

Sterilized jars are a must for storing chow chow relish, as vinegar and spices can leave scent and flavor residue on plastic.

Pint jars are the most common size for chow chow relish, but half-pints, also known as jelly jars, are also a good option.

For longer storage, can chow chow relish by processing in a water bath, which will take the same amount of time for both jar sizes.

You might like: Vet Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Large Dogs

To make relish, you'll need to chop 2-3 cups of fresh cucumbers, 1 cup of fresh onions, and 1 cup of fresh bell peppers.

Start by combining the chopped cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers in a bowl. According to the recipe, you should use 2-3 cups of cucumbers, 1 cup of onions, and 1 cup of bell peppers.

Grate 1/4 cup of fresh ginger and add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. The grated ginger adds a nice spice and flavor to the relish.

Add 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. These ingredients help balance the flavors and create a tangy taste.

Combine the ingredients and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial to develop the relish's flavor and texture.

Intriguing read: Ginger Dog Treats Recipe

To make a delicious chowchow recipe, you'll need the following ingredients: onion, cabbage, green tomatoes, red and green bell pepper, coarse salt, granulated sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, turmeric, white vinegar, and water.

The key to a great chowchow is using a variety of vegetables, so try to include a mix of textures and flavors.

Here are the ingredients you'll need to buy:

To start making the chowchow, you'll need to chop or shred your vegetables. You can do this by hand or use a tool like a Cuisinart with the grater blade.

Once you've chopped your vegetables, combine the first five ingredients (onion, cabbage, green tomatoes, red and green bell pepper, and coarse salt) in a large nonreactive bowl.

Chowchow is a pickled relish dish that's a staple in Southern cuisine. It's a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of foods.

Cabbage is a key ingredient in most chowchow recipes, and you can use either green or red cabbage. Green-colored heirloom tomatoes are also a popular choice, as they hold up well in the pickling process.

Some recipes call for a variety of bell peppers, including green, red, and yellow. White onions are a common addition, and you can use them in combination with other ingredients like allspice and dry mustard.

Here's a breakdown of the basic ingredients you'll need:

Keep in mind that chowchow recipes can vary greatly, and some may include additional ingredients like pico de pájaro chiles or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Chowchow is a pickled relish dish that's as Southern as buttermilk. It's a staple in Southern cuisine, often used to preserve summer vegetables for later in the year.

Recipes for chowchow are highly regional and tend to be generational, passed down through families. This means that no two batches are exactly the same.

Tomatoes, cabbage, bell peppers, and onions are common ingredients found in many Southern chowchows. Some chowchows are sweet, while others lean quite spicy.

Ingredients play a crucial role in making a delicious chowchow.

Green tomatoes are a staple in many chowchow recipes, with 6 large green tomatoes typically used (about 3 pounds).

Cabbage is another essential ingredient, with a small head (about 2 pounds) providing around 10 cups of chopped cabbage.

Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to chowchow, with 2 white onions (each about 11 ounces) chopped to make about 4 cups.

Bell peppers come in a variety of colors, including green, red, and yellow, with 3 medium bell peppers (or a mix) used in some recipes.

Pickling salt, canning and pickling salt, or kosher salt are used to add flavor and preserve the ingredients, with 1/4 cup of salt typically used.

White vinegar is a common ingredient in chowchow recipes, with 3 1/2 cups used in some recipes.

Sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors, with 1 cup used in some recipes.

Spices like yellow mustard seeds, ground celery, and allspice are added to give chowchow its unique flavor, with 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon of ground celery used in some recipes.

Some recipes also include dried pico de pájaro chiles or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat, with 2 to 3 teaspoons used to taste.

Here's a breakdown of the typical ingredients used in chowchow recipes:

Chowchow is a versatile condiment that can add a burst of flavor to various dishes. It's a salty, tangy, and slightly sweet tasting condiment.

You can use chowchow to add flavor to your meals in many ways. For example, you can dollop it on top of black-eyed peas, white beans, or crowder peas.

Some people like to mix chowchow into cream cheese to make a quick dip, which is perfect for snacking. The nutrition facts for chowchow reveal that it's relatively low in calories and fat, with 120 calories and 0g of fat per serving.

Here are some popular ways to serve chowchow:

Chowchow is a salty condiment, often with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile.

The taste can vary depending on the base ingredients used, with green tomato-based chowchows being brighter and more tart.

Some people make chowchow very vinegar-forward, while others add a lot of sugar to make it sweet.

A touch of heat can be added through the use of cayenne or diced fresh chili.

The flavor profile can change significantly based on the spices used, such as celery seed or allspice.

Serving chow chow is where the magic happens. You can dollop it on top of black-eyed peas, white beans, or crowder peas for a flavorful boost.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy chow chow is on a hot dog. It's a classic combination that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

If you're looking to add some extra flavor to your leftover collard greens, try mounding chow chow on top. It's a great way to give them a new lease on life.

Deviled eggs are also a great candidate for a chow chow garnish. It adds a nice burst of flavor and texture.

Mixing chow chow into cream cheese makes for a quick and easy dip. It's perfect for snacking on the go.

Here are some popular ways to serve chow chow: