Grann Parker'S Chow Chow
A tangy, sweet-and-spicy chow chow relish with crunchy vegetables and bold spices, perfect as a condiment or side for meats and sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 12 onions ⓘ
- 12 green peppers ⓘ
- 12 red peppers ⓘ
- 2 quarts chopped green tomatoes ⓘ
- 5 cups white sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons celery seed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons whole mixed spices ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons ground mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon turmeric ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons mustard seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables and mix together with 1/2 cup salt.
- Let it set for about 2 hours or overnight, then drain.
- Add spices to sugar and vinegar to prepare the mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider soaking the chopped cabbage and other vegetables in a mixture of salt and water for a shorter time. If you prefer a sweeter chow chow, increase the sugar slightly or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also substitute some of the green tomatoes with ripe red tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Grann Parker's Chow Chow is a delightful condiment that pairs beautifully with meats, especially grilled dishes like Beer Roast or alongside sandwiches. It can also be served as a side dish at picnics or barbecues. Try it with Aunt Mary'S Barbecue Sauce for a tangy twist, or use it as a topping for burgers to add a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chow chow in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the chow chow in sterilized jars. To reheat, simply spoon the desired amount into a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or enjoy it cold as a condiment.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grann Parker'S Chow Chow contains roughly 728 calories, with 26g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1099% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (166% of the Daily Value), and iron (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1940mg per serving (84% 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 different vegetables in chow chow?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses cabbage, onions, and peppers, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, radishes, or even zucchini. Just ensure they are chopped into similar sizes for even pickling.
How long does chow chow need to sit before serving?
It's best to let chow chow sit for at least 24 hours after preparation to allow the flavors to meld together. However, for optimal taste, refrigerate it for a week before serving, as the flavors continue to develop over time.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, Grann Parker's Chow Chow can be canned. Ensure you follow proper canning procedures, including sterilizing jars and lids. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to ensure they seal properly and can be stored for several months.
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).