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Chow Chow Relish Recipe

Bowl of homemade chow chow relish with jars and fresh vegetables in the background
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This homemade chow chow relish is made with cabbage, green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, vinegar, sugar, and classic pickling spices, resulting in a sweet, tangy Southern condiment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups chopped bell peppers (about 4 green, 2 red, 1 yellow)
  • 5 heaping cups chopped onions (white or yellow)
  • 5 cups chopped green tomatoes (about 5–6 medium tomatoes)
  • 5 cups chopped cabbage
  • A few hot peppers (chopped (seeds and membranes removed for mild heat, or leave them in for spice))
  • Optional: Add red pepper flakes to taste—start with 1 teaspoon for a kick.
  • ½ cup pickling salt
  • 6 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 5 cups granulated sugar (Taste after mixing—add up to 1 more cup if you like it sweeter.)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (French’s preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seed
  • 2 tablespoons pickling spice (McCormick preferred, tied in cheesecloth)

Instructions

  1. Chop all vegetables and combine in a large non-reactive bowl or pan.
  2. Sprinkle pickling salt over the mixture, toss well, and cover tightly with plastic wrap and a lid.
  3. Refrigerate overnight.
  4. Drain and rinse the vegetables well to remove excess salt.
  5. In a large pot, combine vinegar, sugar, turmeric, mustard, and the spice pouch. Simmer until sugar is fully dissolved.
  6. Taste the mixture. Add more sugar if desired.
  7. Add the drained vegetables to the pot. Simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. While the relish simmers, sterilize jars, lids, and rings by boiling them for 10–15 minutes.
  9. Place lids and rings in a small pan and submerge them in boiling water.
  10. Carefully remove jars from water and place on a towel or rack.
  11. Using a funnel, fill each jar with hot chow chow, leaving ½-inch of headspace.
  12. Slide a plastic knife around the edges to release air bubbles.
  13. Wipe rims with a damp cloth, then place the lids and screw on the rings until “finger-tight” (secure but not cranked down).
  14. Place jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Start timing once the water reaches a rolling boil.
  15. After processing, turn off the heat and let jars rest in the water for 5 minutes.
  16. Remove jars and place them on a towel or rack. Do not wipe off the water from the tops.
  17. Let the jars sit undisturbed for 24 hours. You should hear the pop of the lids sealing as they cool.
  18. After 24 hours, check seals. If any lids didn’t seal, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipenly.com/southern-chow-chow-relish/