Pennsylvania Dutch Chow Chow(Makes 8 To 10 Quarts)
A vibrant, tangy Pennsylvania Dutch Chow Chow relish combining a variety of vegetables with vinegar and spices, perfect as a condiment or side for hearty meals.
Ingredients
- 1 qt. cucumbers, diced ⓘ
- 1 qt. green or yellow string beans ⓘ
- 1 qt. corn ⓘ
- 1 qt. celery ⓘ
- 1 qt. lima beans ⓘ
- 1 qt. kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 qt. cauliflower ⓘ
- 1 qt. carrots ⓘ
- 1 qt. pearl onions
- 1 pt. green peppers ⓘ
- 1 pt. red peppers ⓘ
- 2 qt. vinegar ⓘ
- 5 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. turmeric ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables to desired size and cook each separately or use canned vegetables where you can.
- Drain vegetables and mix together in a large bowl.
- Combine vinegar, sugar, and water in a large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add turmeric and salt to the boiling liquid.
- Add all the vegetables to the hot liquid and bring back to a boil.
- Pack the hot mixture into sterilized hot jars.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Chow Chow, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. If you can't find fresh vegetables, frozen varieties work well, especially for the beans and corn. When dicing cucumbers, remove the seeds for a firmer texture. Remember to taste the mixture before packing it into jars and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pennsylvania Dutch Chow Chow as a tangy side dish with grilled meats or burgers, making it a perfect accompaniment to summer barbecues. It also pairs beautifully with Joyce Higdon's Blueberry Salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it as a topping for sandwiches or alongside rich dishes for added zest.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, this Chow Chow can be canned using proper canning techniques, allowing it to last up to a year. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Chow Chow(Makes 8 To 10 Quarts) contains roughly 1378 calories, with 58g protein, 324g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (520% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (380% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1448mg per serving (63% 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 this Chow Chow recipe?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe includes specific vegetables, feel free to substitute with your favorites or seasonal options. Just ensure that the total volume remains similar to maintain the balance of flavors and textures.
How long does Chow Chow last when canned?
When properly canned and sealed, Chow Chow can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and consume within two weeks for the best quality and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Pennsylvania Dutch Chow Chow is entirely plant-based, making it a great choice for vegan diets. The ingredients focus solely on vegetables, vinegar, and spices, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious and tangy dish!
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).