Handwritten recipe for German Sauce
by: salvagedrecipes

German Sweet & Sour Cabbage Sauce (Chow Chow)

German Sauce
German Sauce is a savory-sweet condiment made from green tomatoes, cabbage, and sweet peppers, seasoned with warm spices like cloves and allspice. It was traditionally served as an accompaniment to meats, beans, or even on bread. With its balance of tangy vinegar and bold spice, it’s similar to a chow-chow or relish and was especially popular in preserving and canning circles. This version relies on a mix of aromatic seeds and vegetables for a robust and nostalgic flavor.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 45 minutes
Course sauce
Cuisine German
Servings 16
Calories 45 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 lb green tomatoes (chopped fine)
  • 1 head cabbage (finely shredded)
  • 2 quarts celery (chopped)
  • 12 sweet red peppers (chopped)
  • ¼ tbsp mustard seed
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ¼ cup salt
  • 1 tbsp ground cloves
  • 1 tbsp allspice
  • 1 tbsp celery seed
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 2 quarts vinegar (white or apple cider)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Salt Vegetables

  • Sprinkle salt over chopped green tomatoes and shredded cabbage.
  • Let stand overnight.
  • Drain well and squeeze out excess liquid.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

  • In a large pot, add the drained vegetables, chopped celery, red peppers, sugar, and all spices.
  • Pour in 2 quarts vinegar and stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  • Reduce to simmer and cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and flavors are blended.

Step 4: Store or Serve

  • Cool slightly, then transfer to sterilized jars.
  • Seal and refrigerate or water-bath can for shelf stability.

Tips

  • Use green tomatoes that are firm and fully unripe for best texture
  • Let vegetables drain thoroughly after salting to prevent excess liquid
  • Adjust sugar slightly if you prefer a more tart sauce
  • White vinegar keeps the flavor traditional, but apple cider vinegar adds warmth
  • Finely chop all vegetables evenly for consistent texture
  • This sauce improves in flavor after a few days of resting
  • Store refrigerated for short-term use or can properly for long-term storage
  • Serve as a condiment with sausages, pork, or cold cuts
  • Makes an excellent topping for sandwiches or bratwurst

Nutrition

Calories: 45kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 0.8gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 540mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 550IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword cabbage relish, family recipe, old fashioned, pantry staples, preserved vegetables, sweet and sour, vintage recipe
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