Uncooked Green Tomato Chow-Chow
Uncooked Green Tomato Chow-Chow offers a tangy, crunchy relish blending green tomatoes, cabbage, and spices, perfect for adding zest to sandwiches, meats, or as a condiment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle layers of tomatoes, cabbage, onion, and green pepper with salt; let stand overnight.
- In the morning, squeeze vegetables dry.
- Add other ingredients: sugar, mustard, celery seed, horseradish, and vinegar.
- Pour into clean jars and cover.
- Keep refrigerated; relish will keep from 2 to 3 weeks.
Tips & Substitutions
When making Uncooked Green Tomato Chow-Chow, feel free to adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the sugar to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, swapping out the horseradish for a bit of Dijon mustard can work well. This relish pairs beautifully with sandwiches and grilled meats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chow-chow as a zesty condiment alongside grilled meats or as a tangy topping for sandwiches. It also complements dishes like Cold Mostaccioli Salad or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing side. Try pairing it with beans or rice for a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store your Uncooked Green Tomato Chow-Chow in airtight jars in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 weeks. For best flavor, allow the chow-chow to marinate for a day before serving. There’s no need to reheat, as it is a cold relish that enhances many dishes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Uncooked Green Tomato Chow-Chow contains roughly 321 calories, with 8g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (146% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 846mg per serving (37% 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 ripe tomatoes instead of green ones?
Using ripe tomatoes will alter the flavor and texture of the chow-chow, making it sweeter and softer. It's best to stick with green tomatoes for the intended tartness and crunchiness. If green tomatoes are unavailable, try mixing in some unripe tomatoes with ripe ones to balance the flavors.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat to your Uncooked Green Tomato Chow-Chow, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the mixture. You can also increase the amount of horseradish for an extra kick. Just be sure to taste as you go, so you can find the right level of spiciness for your palate.
What can I substitute for vinegar in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use vinegar, you can substitute it with lemon or lime juice for a similar acidity. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, so adjust the sugar accordingly to balance the tartness. This swap can also give a fresh twist to your chow-chow.
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).