Mild Chow Chow
Mild Chow Chow offers a delightful mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a versatile condiment perfect for enhancing meats, sandwiches, or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables.
- Mix the chopped vegetables with 3/4 cup salt and let stand overnight.
- Drain the mixed spices in a bag.
- Add sugar, vinegar, spices, mustard seed, and water to the mixture.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil, then simmer until just done.
- Remove the spice bag.
- Mix enough water with cornstarch until completely dissolved.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the chow chow and stir well.
- Remove from heat and pack into boiled jars, then seal immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, adjust the amount of mustard and ginger to your liking. If you can't find green tomatoes, unripe regular tomatoes can work as a substitute. Be sure to let the mixture sit overnight to enhance the flavor profile. Using fresh spices will yield the best results, but you can substitute dried herbs if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Mild chow chow is perfect as a condiment for sandwiches or served alongside grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Mom's Pepper Relish for a zesty kick. You can also serve it with crackers for a delightful appetizer. Try it alongside a hearty stew or as a topping for baked potatoes to enhance flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chow chow in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. It can last for several weeks. To reheat, simply place the desired amount in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold as a tangy condiment.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mild Chow Chow contains roughly 1605 calories, with 18g protein, 364g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (281% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (136% of the Daily Value), and iron (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1620mg per serving (70% 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 include other crunchy vegetables like carrots or celery for added texture and flavor. Just keep the ratios similar to maintain the balance of taste. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to unique variations that suit your palate.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also increase the amount of mustard seed for a bolder flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, ensuring you achieve the desired spice level.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this chow chow recipe is great for canning! Make sure to follow proper canning procedures, including sterilizing jars and sealing them immediately after filling. This will help preserve the flavors and extend shelf life, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year.
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).