Great Chow Chow
A tangy, savory chow chow relish combining green tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and peppers, perfect for adding zest to sandwiches, meats, or as a condiment for all seasons.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add salt to chopped green tomatoes and let set for 2 to 3 hours.
- Drain off excess water from the salted tomatoes.
- Combine the drained tomatoes with chopped cabbage, onions, hot peppers, and sweet peppers.
- Mix vinegar, sugar, and pickling spice together.
- Add the vinegar mixture to the vegetables and bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Seal the hot mixture in sterilized jars.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like mustard seeds or turmeric to the vinegar mixture for added depth. If green tomatoes are not available, unripe red tomatoes can be a suitable substitute. For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot peppers. Be sure to adjust salt based on personal taste preferences, especially if using salted or pickled ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Great Chow Chow is a versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with sandwiches, grilled meats, or as a side to hearty dishes. It complements American recipes well, especially barbecue. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside Marge'S Cranberry Salad for a vibrant meal or use it as a topping for burgers and hot dogs.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of chow chow in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks. To reheat, simply warm the chow chow in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or serve at room temperature as a condiment.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Chow Chow contains roughly 1775 calories, with 70g protein, 387g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (486% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (409% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Yes, you can customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Carrots or cauliflower can be great additions, adding both color and flavor. Just make sure to maintain the same overall volume of vegetables for best results.
How do I know when the chow chow is ready to eat?
Chow chow develops its flavors over time, so it's best to let it sit for at least a week after canning before consuming. This allows the ingredients to meld together. However, it can be eaten right after cooking; just note that the flavors will be fresher and less developed.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Absolutely! This chow chow recipe is designed for canning, allowing you to preserve it for later use. Ensure that you sterilize your jars properly and follow safe canning practices to avoid spoilage. Store in a cool, dark place to maintain quality.
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).