Mama Cole'S Chow Chow
Mama Cole's Chow Chow is a tangy, sweet and spicy relish featuring cabbage, peppers, and green tomatoes, perfect for enhancing meats, sandwiches, or as a condiment.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 12 onions ⓘ
- 12 green sweet peppers ⓘ
- 12 red sweet peppers ⓘ
- 2 quarts chopped green tomatoes ⓘ
- 5 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 1/2 quarts white vinegar ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons ground mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon turmeric ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons mustard seed ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons celery seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop onions and peppers.
- Mix all vegetables with 1/2 cup of salt.
- Let stand overnight.
- Drain.
- Place mixed spices in a permeable bag.
- Add sugar and other spices to vinegar.
- Simmer the spice bag in the vinegar mixture for 20 minutes.
- Add all other ingredients and simmer until hot and well seasoned.
- Remove the spice bag.
- Pack hot chow chow into hot, sterilized jars and seal at once.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Mama Cole's Chow Chow, consider using fresh, organic vegetables for a more vibrant taste. If you prefer a spicier version, add a few diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a sweeter twist, you can substitute half of the sugar with honey. Make sure to use a permeable bag for the spices to ensure easy removal after simmering.
Serving Suggestions
Mama Cole's Chow Chow makes a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for hot dogs. It pairs beautifully with Mom's Infamous Ginger Cookies for a sweet finish to your meal. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or as a condiment for your favorite barbecue dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chow chow in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to two weeks. To enjoy it warm, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also serve it cold straight from the fridge as a refreshing condiment.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Cole'S Chow Chow contains roughly 774 calories, with 30g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (724% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (184% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (140% 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 chow chow?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights cabbage and peppers, you can experiment with other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or even zucchini. Just remember to chop them finely to maintain the texture of the chow chow.
How can I make chow chow less salty?
If you're concerned about saltiness, reduce the amount of salt used during the vegetable mixing stage. You can also rinse the drained vegetables under cold water before adding them to the vinegar mixture to help remove excess salt.
How long does chow chow need to sit before eating?
For the best flavor, let the chow chow sit for at least 24 hours before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when paired with your favorite dishes.
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).