Zucchini Chow Chow
Zucchini Chow Chow offers a tangy, sweet relish with robust flavors of vinegar, spices, and vegetables, perfect for adding zest to sandwiches, hot dogs, or as a condiment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground zucchini, ground onions, and chopped green bell peppers in a bowl and let set overnight, covered.
- Use a food processor to chop the vegetables.
- The next morning, rinse the mixture well with cold water and drain thoroughly in a nylon net, pressing firmly to remove excess water.
- After draining, combine vinegar, sugar, nutmeg, turmeric, dry mustard, cornstarch, and celery seed in a pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Pour the hot mixture into prepared jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, let the zucchini and onions sit overnight to enhance the flavors. If you're short on time, a quick pulse in the food processor can help, but be careful not to over-process. You can substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile. Additionally, consider adding some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, reminiscent of other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Zucchini Chow Chow makes a fantastic condiment for sandwiches, especially with pulled pork or hot dogs. It also complements cheese platters or can be used as a topping for burgers. For a delightful meal, serve it alongside an Overnight Vegetable Salad or as a tangy addition to an Oklahoma Scramble at breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Zucchini Chow Chow in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a month. For longer storage, consider canning it properly. To enjoy leftovers, simply serve chilled as a condiment or side dish, and it pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Chow Chow contains roughly 909 calories, with 14g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (148% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), and potassium (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1897mg per serving (82% 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 recipe?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower. Just ensure that the total volume of vegetables remains similar to maintain the balance of flavors and textures in the chow chow.
How long does Zucchini Chow Chow last in the fridge?
When stored properly in airtight jars, Zucchini Chow Chow can last up to a month in the refrigerator. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider canning the chow chow following proper canning procedures.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Zucchini Chow Chow recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegans. The ingredients consist of vegetables, vinegar, and spices, making it a great addition to any vegan meal or condiment collection.
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).