Southern Chow Chow: The Quintessential Green Tomato Relish

Southern Chow Chow is a traditional, vibrantly tangy, and subtly sweet relish crafted from finely diced green tomatoes and a delightful blend of sweet spices. It serves as the quintessential topping for burgers, hot dogs, grilled sandwiches, and any dish yearning for that distinctive homemade relish flair.

For those unacquainted with the culinary delight known as Chow Chow, allow us to introduce you to a beloved staple of Southern American cuisine that has graced tables for generations. This relish-like concoction, rich in history and flavor, is made from a harmonious mix of garden vegetables and aromatic spices. The result is an irresistible profile that expertly balances tangy, sweet, and sour notes, making it a perfect accompaniment to an astonishing array of dishes.

Our featured Southern Chow Chow recipe embraces the classic base of crisp green tomatoes and tender cabbage, establishing a fresh yet robust foundation for its intricate flavors. The thoughtful addition of dry mustard further elevates the relish, introducing a gentle, spicy kick that is sure to awaken your palate and leave you craving more.

Beyond its delectable taste, Chow Chow stands out for its remarkable versatility. This condiment is a true kitchen MVP, capable of transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Imagine spooning it onto your favorite sandwiches or gourmet burgers for an extra layer of complex flavor. Consider stirring it into a creamy potato salad for a unique, zesty twist that will surprise and delight. Or, for a truly memorable experience, dollop it generously over grilled meats like succulent pork chops, juicy chicken, or perfectly seared fish to infuse them with a bright, tangy zest.

Perhaps the most endearing quality of Chow Chow is its deeply rooted homemade charm. Recipes for this cherished relish are often passed down through families, with each generation adding its unique touch. Crafting your own batch of Chow Chow is more than just cooking; it’s a labor of love, a connection to culinary heritage, and an effort that will undoubtedly impress your guests. Furthermore, the traditional canning process means you can savor this delightful relish throughout the entire year, long after the summer growing season has yielded its bounty. It’s a taste of sunshine and tradition, preserved for whenever you desire.

So, tie on your apron, gather your freshest ingredients, and prepare to embark on a rewarding journey of preserving a true Southern classic. The vibrant flavors of homemade Southern Chow Chow await!

A World of Flavor: Exploring Varieties of Chow Chow and Piccalilli

While Southern Chow Chow holds a special place with its signature sweet and tangy profile, enriched by cabbage, onions, and just the right amount of warmth, it represents merely one facet of a diverse family of relishes. The world of Chow Chow and its close cousin, Piccalilli, offers a fascinating culinary landscape, each variation boasting its own distinctive character:

• Southern Chow Chow: This is the star of our recipe today—a wonderfully balanced relish featuring green tomatoes, cabbage, and a sweet, spicy, and tangy brine that makes it incredibly versatile. Its finely diced texture is perfect for spreading.
• Canadian Chow Chow: Simplicity is key here, often focusing on green tomatoes and onions, creating a cleaner, more straightforward tangy profile. It highlights the natural tartness of the green tomatoes.
• Amish Chow Chow: Known for its heartier texture, this version often incorporates a medley of garden vegetables such as beans, carrots, and cauliflower, alongside the traditional green tomatoes and cabbage. It’s a chunkier, more substantial relish.
• British Piccalilli: For those who adore bold mustard flavors, British Piccalilli delivers a powerful punch. Characterized by its bright yellow hue (from turmeric) and a robust mustard-spiced vinegar brine, it’s typically chunky and intensely savory.
• New England Piccalilli: This regional variant offers a unique twist with a distinct tangy vinegar and brown sugar brine. It often features green tomatoes and a blend of other vegetables, resulting in a slightly darker, rich, and complex flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Southern Chow Chow

Crafting a delectable batch of Southern Chow Chow begins with selecting the right ingredients. For a standard canner batch, yielding approximately 6 half-pint jars or 3 pint jars, you will need the following:

• 4 cups green tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 cups bell peppers, a vibrant mix of green and red, chopped
• 4 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• ¼ cup canning salt (essential for the soaking process)
• 1 tbsp dry mustard
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp celery seeds
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 2 ½ cups apple cider vinegar

For the absolute best flavor, we highly recommend allowing your freshly canned Chow Chow to mellow for at least two weeks before enjoying it. This resting period allows the distinct flavors of the vegetables and spices to fully meld and deepen, resulting in a more complex and satisfying relish.

When selecting tomatoes for this recipe, a critical point is to ensure you are using unripe green tomatoes. While some tomato varieties are naturally green when ripe (such as Green Zebras), these are not suitable for Chow Chow. This is a genuinely green tomato canning recipe, meaning you need firm, unripened tomatoes. Their inherent tartness and firm texture are crucial for achieving the characteristic tangy taste and crisp texture of your finished Southern Chow Chow.

It’s worth noting that while cabbage is generally not recommended for canning on its own (with the exception of canning sauerkraut), its inclusion in this relish recipe is perfectly safe. The high acidity from the generous amount of vinegar in the brine acts as a natural preservative, ensuring that the cabbage is safely preserved within this tested relish canning recipe.

Crafting Homemade Southern Chow Chow: Step-by-Step

The journey to homemade Southern Chow Chow begins with careful preparation, a two-day process that ensures both superior flavor and perfect texture.

Day 1: Preparing and Soaking the Vegetables

First, gather all your fresh ingredients. Precision in chopping is key for the best Chow Chow. Begin by finely dicing all your vegetables – the green tomatoes, cabbage, bell peppers, and onions. Aim for small, uniform pieces, ideally around 1/4 inch. A food processor can be an invaluable tool here, making quick work of the task with just a few pulses. This uniformity ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in your finished relish.

Once diced, combine the tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, and onions in a large bowl. Cover them generously with water and add the canning salt. Allow this mixture to soak overnight. This crucial overnight brining step serves multiple purposes: it draws out excess water from the vegetables, preventing a soggy relish, and it helps to firm up their texture, ensuring a pleasant crunch. Furthermore, the salt works to enhance and concentrate the natural flavors of the produce. While the wait can be a bit frustrating for a two-day recipe, trust that this step is absolutely worth the effort for a truly superior Southern Chow Chow. Skipping this process can result in a watery and less flavorful end product when you open those jars.

Day 2: Cooking and Canning

After the overnight soak, thoroughly drain the vegetables, then rinse them under cold running water to remove any residual salt. Drain them completely again. This thorough draining and rinsing is essential for balancing the final flavor of your relish.

Next, prepare the flavorful brine. In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, dry mustard, celery seeds, ground allspice, ground turmeric, and apple cider vinegar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the spices are well incorporated. This creates the perfect sweet, tangy, and spiced base for your Chow Chow.

Once your brine is ready, add the thoroughly drained and rinsed vegetables to the simmering liquid. Continue to simmer the entire mixture for another 5 minutes. This step is vital for two reasons: it ensures the vegetables are thoroughly heated through, and it allows them to become completely coated and infused with the delicious, vibrant brine.

Preserving Your Harvest: Canning Southern Chow Chow

With your Southern Chow Chow mixture perfectly cooked, it’s time for the important step of canning to ensure long-term preservation and enjoyment.

Carefully pack the hot Chow Chow into pre-heated pint (or half-pint) jars, leaving a precise 1/2-inch headspace from the rim. Headspace is crucial as it allows for proper vacuum seal formation. Use a non-metallic utensil, like a bubble remover or plastic knife, to gently dislodge any trapped air bubbles from the sides of the jars. If removing bubbles causes the contents to settle, add a little more Chow Chow to maintain the 1/2-inch headspace.

Before applying lids, meticulously wipe the rims of each jar with a clean, damp cloth. Any food residue on the rim can prevent a proper seal. Place sanitized lids onto the jars, followed by screw bands. Tighten the bands only “fingertip tight” – meaning just enough resistance to hold the lid in place, allowing air to escape during processing.

Load the prepared jars into a water bath canner, ensuring they are fully submerged by at least 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling vigorously, begin your processing time. For altitudes between 0 and 1000 feet, process pint jars for 10 minutes (and quart jars for 15 minutes, if using larger). Remember to adjust your processing time according to your altitude, as outlined in the section below.

After the designated processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter. Place them on a sturdy surface covered with a towel or wire rack, allowing sufficient space between jars for air circulation. Let them cool undisturbed at room temperature for a full 24 hours. During this cooling period, you should hear the satisfying “ping” sound as the lids seal. After 24 hours, check each jar for a proper seal; the lid should be concave and not flex when pressed. Any jars that have not sealed properly should be refrigerated and consumed immediately.

Once sealed, remove the screw bands, label your jars with the contents and date, and store them in a cool, dark, dry place for up to one year. Re-check seals periodically. With these steps, you’ll have a pantry full of delicious Southern Chow Chow ready to enjoy!

Creative Ways to Serve Your Southern Chow Chow

Congratulations! You’ve successfully canned a delicious batch of Southern Chow Chow. Now comes the exciting part: discovering all the wonderful ways to enjoy this incredibly versatile condiment. Its sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy profile pairs beautifully with a vast array of dishes, offering endless culinary possibilities.

Here are some inspired serving suggestions to get you started:

• Classic Toppings: Elevate your backyard barbecue by generously spooning Chow Chow over grilled hot dogs, savory sausages, or juicy hamburgers. It’s also fantastic on pulled pork sandwiches, adding a bright counterpoint to rich meats.
• Sandwich & Wrap Enhancer: Add a unique kick to your everyday sandwiches, wraps, or paninis. A spoonful of Chow Chow can transform a simple turkey or ham sandwich into something truly special.
• Side Dish Star: Serve it alongside traditional Southern dishes like crispy fried chicken, tender collard greens, or creamy macaroni and cheese. It provides a refreshing contrast that cuts through richness.
• Breakfast & Brunch Brilliance: Don’t limit it to dinner! Chow Chow makes a surprisingly delightful accompaniment to scrambled eggs, omelets, or even as a zesty addition to grits.
• Charcuterie Boards & Appetizers: Incorporate Chow Chow into your next charcuterie board. Its vibrant color and complex flavor make it an attractive and tasty partner for cheeses, cured meats, and crackers. It can also be mixed into cream cheese for a quick and easy dip.
• Salad & Dressing Upgrade: Stir a tablespoon or two into your potato salad, coleslaw, or even a simple green salad dressing for an unexpected burst of flavor and texture.
• Savory Sauce Base: Use Chow Chow as a base for a quick dipping sauce or glaze for roasted vegetables or grilled fish. Its robust flavor can be thinned with a little vinegar or oil to create a vibrant dressing.

Don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment! The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to integrating this delightful Southern classic into your meals. Let your culinary imagination run wild!

5 from 7 votes

Servings:

48
Servings, Three Pint Jars

Southern Chow Chow Relish Recipe

By
Ashley Adamant

Southern Chow Chow is a traditional green tomato relish, finely diced and combined with sweet spices. It’s the perfect topping for burgers or hot dogs, or anywhere else you’d use homemade relish.

Prep:
2 days

Cook:
10 mins

Additional Time:
10 mins

Total:
2 days 20 mins

Equipment

• Water Bath Canner
• Jar Lifter
• Wide Mouth Canning Lids
• Wide Mouth Pint Mason Jars
• Canning Funnel

Ingredients

• 4 cups green tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups bell peppers, green and red mixed, chopped
• 4 cups cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• ¼ cup canning salt
• 1 tbsp dry mustard
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp celery seeds
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 2 ½ cups apple cider vinegar

Instructions

• Gather your ingredients. This is a two-day recipe, with dicing and salting on day one and cooking/canning on day two.
• Finely dice all the vegetables into even pieces. A food processor can help with this. Adjust dice size to your preference, but fine is recommended.
• Soak the diced tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, and onions overnight in water and canning salt. This step is essential for both flavor and texture. Drain, then rinse thoroughly and drain again.
• Prepare a brine by mixing the sugar and spices into the apple cider vinegar. Bring it to a boil on the stove and simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved.
• Add the salted, drained, and rinsed vegetables to the simmering brine.
• Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to thoroughly heat the veggies and ensure they are all completely coated in vinegar.
• Pack the hot Southern Chow Chow into hot pint jars, leaving 1/2″ headspace. Adjust headspace, remove bubbles, and add more Chow Chow if necessary to fill the jars appropriately.
• Wipe the rims of the jars to remove any food residue before adding the sanitized lids and bands. Screw the bands on until they’re fingertip tight.
• Load the jars into a water bath canner. Process the pint jars for 10 minutes at 0 to 1000 feet, adjusting the time for altitude if needed (refer to the altitude adjustments section).
• Once processing is complete, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool at room temperature for 24 hours.
• Check the seals. Store properly sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and enjoyed immediately.

Notes

Altitude Adjustments for Canning

Water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes, so jars need to be processed a bit longer as you go up in elevation to ensure safety and proper preservation. Here are the altitude adjustments for canning Southern Style Chow Chow:

• For 0 to 1,000 Feet in Elevation – Process pint jars for 10 minutes, and quart jars for 15 minutes.
• For 1,001 to 6,000 Feet in Elevation – Process pint jars for 15 minutes, and quart jars for 20 minutes.
• Above 6,001 Feet in Elevation – Process pint jars for 20 minutes, and quart jars for 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 44kcal,
Carbohydrates: 10g,
Protein: 0.4g,
Fat: 0.2g,
Saturated Fat: 0.02g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g,
Sodium: 594mg,
Potassium: 71mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 10g,
Vitamin A: 297IU,
Vitamin C: 14mg,
Calcium: 9mg,
Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Discover More Homemade Relish Recipes

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• Sweet and Tangy Corn Relish
• Delightful Zucchini Relish
• Hearty Amish Chow Chow