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Homemade Chow Chow Recipe: A Tangy Relish for Every Meal

Classic Southern Chow Chow Relish

A tangy, sweet, and savory pickled relish bursting with a medley of fresh vegetables. This traditional Southern chow chow is a versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled meats, and more. Easy to prepare and best after a day of marination, it’s a delightful way to bring a taste of the South into your kitchen.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Condiment/Relish
Cuisine Southern American
Servings 1 Approximately 4–6 cups

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle
  • Sterilized canning jars or airtight containers

Ingredients
  

  • Vegetables:
  • 1 medium green cabbage finely chopped (about 6 cups)
  • 2 large green tomatoes diced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and grated
  • Pickling Liquid:
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar adjust based on desired sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon celery seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Vegetables:
  • Finely chop the cabbage, dice the tomatoes, onion, and bell peppers, and grate the carrots. Combine all the vegetables in a large pot.
  • Make the Pickling Liquid:
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Combine and Heat:
  • Pour the pickling liquid over the chopped vegetables in the pot. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the vegetables soften slightly while still retaining a bit of crunch.
  • Cool and Store:
  • Remove the pot from the heat and allow the relish to cool to room temperature.
  • Transfer the cooled chow chow into sterilized canning jars or airtight containers.
  • For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
  • Serve:
  • Enjoy the chow chow chilled as a zesty condiment alongside your favorite dishes.
  • Details:
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes (plus a minimum of 24 hours for refrigeration)
  • Yield: Approximately 4–6 cups
  • Category: Condiment / Relish
  • Method: Simmering / Pickling
  • Cuisine: Southern / American
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
  • Keywords:
  • Southern, chow chow, relish, pickled vegetables, condiment, tangy, sweet and sour, barbecue, homemade, easy recipe
  • Nutrition (per ¼ cup serving, approximate):
  • Serving Size: ¼ cup
  • Calories: 45 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Notes

Flavor Development: The relish deepens in flavor when refrigerated for a couple of days. If possible, plan ahead for best results.
Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of sugar to match your preferred balance of sweet and tangy.
Storage: Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 weeks.
Spice Variations: For extra heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or increase the red pepper flakes.
Keyword Southern, chow chow, relish, pickled vegetables, condiment, tangy, sweet and sour, barbecue, homemade, easy recipe