Mama Ellen'S Chow Chow

Prep: 480 min Cuisine: Southern

Mama Ellen's Chow Chow is a tangy, spicy relish made from chopped vegetables and green tomatoes, perfect for adding zest to meats, sandwiches, or as a flavorful side.

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Ingredients

  • 2 medium to large cabbages
  • 4 large bell peppers (2 red and 2 green)
  • 6 large onions
  • 20 to 30 large green tomatoes
  • hot peppers to suit taste
  • allspice
  • salt
  • sugar
  • vinegar

Instructions

  1. Cut all vegetables into small cubes.
  2. Mix the chopped vegetables with 1/4 cup salt.
  3. Let the mixture set in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or cilantro. You can substitute green tomatoes with tomatillos if you prefer a tangier taste. Adjust the amount of hot peppers based on your heat preference; jalapeños work well. If you're short on time, using pre-chopped vegetables can speed up the prep process.

Serving Suggestions

Mama Ellen's Chow Chow pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a zesty topping for sandwiches. It's a great accompaniment to spicy dishes or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing side. Consider serving it alongside Spanish Yellow Rice With Green Pigeon Peas for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will intensify over time. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This dish can also be served cold, making it a versatile option for picnics or barbecues.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mama Ellen'S Chow Chow contains roughly 260 calories, with 8g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 576mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

260 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.5g 17% DV
Total Fat 1.6g 2% DV
Carbs 59.1g 21% DV
Fiber 10.2g 37% DV
Sugar 27.6g 55% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 575.7mg 25% DV
Potassium 1340.9mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 160.6mcg 18% DV
Vitamin C 154.8mg 100% DV
Calcium 111.6mg 9% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% 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 other types of vegetables in this chow chow?

You can also adjust the spice level by choosing milder or hotter varieties of peppers.

How long can I keep Mama Ellen's Chow Chow in the fridge?

If you want to keep it longer, consider canning it following proper canning procedures.

What can I serve with chow chow?

Don't hesitate to get creative; it can enhance the flavor of many savory 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).

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