Southern Chow Chow Recipe: A Garden-Fresh Relish with a Kick

How to Make Southern Chow Chow

Day 1: Prepping the Vegetables

1. Chop the Vegetables
   Finely chop the cabbage, green tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Use whatever mix of peppers you like, but avoid adding chili or cayenne peppers at this stage.
2. Salt and Soak
   Place the chopped vegetables in a large glass or stainless steel bowl (avoid reactive materials). Sprinkle with ½ cup of salt and stir well to coat. Cover and let sit for at least 12 hours or overnight. This step draws excess water out of the veggies.

Day 2: Cooking and Canning

1. Rinse the Vegetables
   Drain the vegetables and rinse them thoroughly—twice! This step is crucial to remove excess salt.
2. Prepare the Brine
   In a large pot, combine sugar, celery seed, mustard seed, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, red pepper flakes, paprika, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add the Vegetables
   Stir the rinsed vegetables into the brine. Add more vinegar if needed to cover the veggies. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Canning the Chow Chow
   Ladle the hot chow chow into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids and rings, and process in a water bath for 10 minutes (adjust time for altitude if necessary).
   

Cajun Twist

Once you’ve canned your first batch, turn up the heat for the second! Add Cajun seasoning, hot cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and a splash of vinegar to the remaining chow chow in the pot. Simmer for 10 more minutes, then can as usual. This variation adds a spicy kick that’s perfect for those who like their chow chow bold.

How to Enjoy Southern Chow Chow

Chow chow is the ultimate condiment. Here’s how to use it:

• Spoon it over a bowl of pinto beans or black-eyed peas.
• Serve it alongside fried fish or pork chops for a tangy bite.
• Add it to burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches for extra flavor.
• Pair it with cheese and crackers for a unique appetizer.

Why This Recipe is Worth the Effort

This Southern chow chow recipe is more than just a way to use up extra veggies—it’s a taste of tradition. The combination of tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, and warm spices creates a flavor that’s as comforting as it is bold.

Whether you’re canning it for your pantry or sharing it as a gift, chow chow brings a little piece of Southern hospitality to every meal. And trust me, once you taste it, you’ll never let another green tomato go to waste again.