Chow-Chow Pickle Relish

Cook: 15 min Serves: 4

A tangy, sweet and spicy relish combining green tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cabbage, perfect for adding zest to sandwiches, burgers, or as a condiment for various dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 5 green tomatoes
  • 5 green peppers
  • 2 sweet red peppers
  • 5 onions
  • 1 small cabbage
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 3 cups brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons celery seeds
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seed
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 2-inch piece stick cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon allspice berries

Instructions

  1. Chop tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cabbage coarsely.
  2. Add salt and cover with cold water. Let stand overnight.
  3. Drain the mixture.
  4. Add remaining ingredients to the drained vegetables.
  5. Cook to boiling point and simmer slowly for 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier texture, consider adding diced carrots or zucchini to your chow-chow pickle relish. You can substitute white sugar for brown sugar if preferred, but brown sugar gives it a richer flavor. If you like a spicier kick, feel free to add a few chopped jalapeños. Letting it sit for a few days enhances the flavors, so plan ahead.

Serving Suggestions

Chow-chow pickle relish makes a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for hot dogs. It also pairs beautifully with Red Cinnamon Pickle Rings for a delightful contrast. Use it as a tangy addition to potato salads or as a zesty condiment on burgers for an extra flavor boost.

Storage & Reheating

Store the chow-chow pickle relish in airtight jars in the refrigerator. It can last up to a month when properly sealed. If you want to enjoy it warm, simply scoop out the desired amount and heat it gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating the entire batch to maintain freshness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chow-Chow Pickle Relish contains roughly 343 calories, with 7g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (437% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1966mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).

343 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.4g 15% DV
Total Fat 3.1g 4% DV
Carbs 76.8g 28% DV
Fiber 6.2g 22% DV
Sugar 57.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1966.2mg 85% DV
Potassium 1480.5mg 31% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 407mcg 45% DV
Vitamin C 393mg 100% DV
Calcium 192.4mg 15% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?

While green tomatoes provide a distinct tangy flavor, you can use ripe tomatoes in a pinch. However, the texture may be softer, and the relish will be sweeter. Adjust the sugar quantity accordingly to balance the flavors.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the mix. You can also experiment with adding spicier mustard seeds or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the relish to intensify the heat level.

Is it possible to can this relish for longer storage?

Yes, you can can chow-chow pickle relish using proper canning techniques. Ensure that you use sterilized jars and follow safe canning guidelines. This will allow you to store the relish in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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