Handwritten recipe for Chow Chow
by: salvagedrecipes

Chow-Chow Relish with Green Tomatoes and Peppers

Chow Chow
Chow-Chow is a classic Southern-style relish made from green tomatoes, peppers, and onions, combined with vinegar, sugar, and spices for a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. Traditionally served alongside beans, hot dogs, or pork, this relish is cooked low and slow to achieve a deep, balanced taste. This vintage recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and creates a versatile condiment perfect for summer picnics or preserving garden harvests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 21 minutes
Course relish
Cuisine Southern
Servings 10 cups
Calories 40 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 peck green tomatoes (about 8 dry quarts or ~16 cups chopped)
  • 6 green peppers (medium)
  • 12 onions (medium)
  • 1 lb brown sugar
  • 3 pints vinegar (about 6 cups)
  • 2 oz celery seed (about ¼ cup)
  • 1 oz pepper corns
  • 1 oz white mustard seed (about 2 tbsp)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep Vegetables

  • Slice onions and tomatoes.
  • Place in a large bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit overnight.

Step 2: Drain and Chop

  • The next morning, drain the vegetables well and chop them into smaller, even pieces.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

  • Place drained vegetables into a large pot.
  • Add brown sugar, vinegar, celery seed, pickling corn, and white mustard seed.
  • Stir to combine evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Relish

  • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the relish thickens and flavors meld.

Step 5: Store the Relish

  • Pour hot Chow-Chow into sterilized jars.
  • Seal tightly and allow to cool.
  • Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate for best freshness.

Tips

  • Salt tomatoes and onions thoroughly to draw out moisture; this prevents a watery relish.
  • Rinse lightly after salting if you prefer a less salty finished product.
  • Add shredded cabbage for a more traditional Appalachian-style chow-chow.
  • Use a mix of sweet and hot peppers to adjust heat level to taste.
  • Sterilize jars if planning to store long-term; follow safe canning guidelines.
  • Substitute part of the brown sugar with white sugar for a lighter flavor.
  • Add turmeric for color and a slightly earthy note.
  • Finely chop vegetables for a smoother relish; leave chunkier for rustic texture.
  • This relish pairs especially well with beans, hot dogs, sausages, or greens.

Nutrition

Calories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 0.5gSodium: 80mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword canning, chow chow, garden harvest, green tomato relish, pickled relish, preserves, Southern condiment, vintage
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