Emma Wolfe'S Chow-Chow
Emma Wolfe's Chow-Chow is a vibrant, tangy relish packed with crunchy vegetables and bold spices. Its sweet, sour, and spicy flavors make it a perfect accompaniment for meats, sandwiches, or as a condiment. Ideal for those who love homemade preserves with a punch of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 12 large onions
- 12 bell peppers ⓘ
- 12 banana peppers ⓘ
- 12 hot red peppers
- 2 quarts chopped green tomatoes ⓘ
- 5 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 quarts vinegar (5% acidity)
- 4 tablespoons ground mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons mustard seed ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons celery seed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons whole mixed spices ⓘ
Instructions
- Wear rubber gloves when preparing to protect your skin from hot peppers.
- Chop onions, bell peppers, banana peppers, hot red peppers, cabbage, and green tomatoes.
- Mix all chopped vegetables with 1/2 cup canning salt or table salt and let stand overnight.
- Drain the salted vegetables thoroughly.
- Tie the mixed spices in a bag; add sugar and spices to the vinegar.
- Simmer the spice bag in the vinegar mixture for 20 minutes.
- Add all other ingredients to the vinegar mixture and simmer until hot and well seasoned.
- Remove the spice bag from the mixture.
- Pack the hot chow-chow into hot jars and seal immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
When chopping hot peppers, consider using a food processor for even pieces and less irritation. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the number of hot red peppers or substitute them with sweet peppers. Using a mix of white and red onions can add a nice color variation. For a unique twist, try adding spices like coriander or dill to enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Emma Wolfe's Chow-Chow is a versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with rich dishes like fried meats or hearty sandwiches. Serve it alongside grilled sausages or as a zesty topping on burgers for added flavor. It can also be an excellent accompaniment to Fran'S Cheese Wafers for a delightful appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chow-chow in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to a month. Make sure the jars are sealed properly to prevent spoilage. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or microwave, stirring frequently to maintain the texture and flavor. It can also be served cold straight from the refrigerator.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Emma Wolfe'S Chow-Chow contains roughly 877 calories, with 25g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (425% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (145% of the Daily Value), and iron (119% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1842mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
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 other vegetables in this chow-chow recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding carrots, celery, or even diced cucumbers. Just be sure to maintain the overall balance of flavors and acidity. Each variation can yield a unique taste while still keeping the essence of chow-chow.
How long can I store the chow-chow once it's jarred?
Once jarred and sealed properly, chow-chow can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. However, for the best flavor, consume it within six months. After opening, keep it refrigerated and use it within a month for optimal freshness.
Is this chow-chow recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this chow-chow recipe is suitable for canning due to its high vinegar content, which acts as a preservative. Ensure you follow proper canning techniques, such as sterilizing jars and using a water bath canner, to ensure food safety.
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).