Go Back
Email Link
Print
Recipe Image
Notes
Nutrition Label
–
+
servings
Smaller
Normal
Larger
Old Fashioned Chow Chow Recipe
Chow Chow is a sweet relish made of cabbage, green tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. It's perfect for hot dogs, deviled eggs, and anywhere relish is required!
4.91
from
53
votes
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time
30
minutes
mins
Cook Time
15
minutes
mins
Brining Time
8
hours
hrs
Total Time
8
hours
hrs
45
minutes
mins
Course
Condiment
Cuisine
American
Servings
16
half pints
Calories
373
kcal
Equipment
Waterbath canner
8 pint or 16 1/2 pint canning jars
New lids
rings/bands
jar lifter
lid lifter
bubble popper
canning funnel
old towels
Ingredients
1x
2x
3x
4
cups
of coarsely ground onions
I start with 4 and see where I stand and add more as needed
1
medium head of green cabbage
coarsely ground (about 4 cups)
10
green tomatoes
coarsely ground (about 4 cups)
12
green bell peppers
coarsely ground
6
red bell peppers
coarsely ground
1/2
cup
sea salt
6
cups
sugar
1
Tablespoon
celery seed
2
Tablespoon
mustard seed
1 1/2
teaspoon
turmeric
4
cups
apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
2
cups
water
Cook Mode
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
Day 1: Prepping the Vegetables
Wash all veggies and grind with a course blade or finely chop and put in large stoneware or stainless steel bowl.
Mix well. Sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top. Cover with a clean cloth and let site overnight.
Canning
Prepare jars, lids, and canner.
Rinse and drain veggie mixture in batches in a large wire mesh strainer and put in a large pot.
Once everything is rinsed off and in the pot, add the spices and remaining ingredients. Stir well.
Over medium heat, bring the chow chow relish to a boil. Stir frequently.
Once the relish is at a boil, turn the heat down and simmer for 3 minutes. Then turn the heat off.
Use a ladle to fill the hot jars with the hot relish leaving a 1/4 inch headspace.
Use a bubble popper or a thin knife to remove any air bubbles from the jars and top it off if needed to reach that 1/4 inch of headspace.
Wipe jar rims with a clean cloth dipped in vinegar. Attach lids and rings and tighten finger tight.
Place jars in canner, turn heat to high, and bring water to full rolling boil.
For this recipe, pints and half pints both need to process for 15 minutes.
ADJUST TIME FOR YOUR ALTITUDE.
After processing, remove jars from canner lifting them straight up and out. Place on layer of old towels to cool.
Leave the jars undisturbed for a minimum of 12 hours. After 12 hours, check the seals.
Any unsealed jars should be put in the fridge. Sealed jars should be wiped down and labeled and dated.
Notes
The relish should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. In the right storage conditions, it will last for several years.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
half pint
Calories:
373
kcal
Carbohydrates:
91
g
Protein:
3
g
Fat:
1
g
Saturated Fat:
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
0.2
g
Sodium:
220
mg
Potassium:
540
mg
Fiber:
5
g
Sugar:
84
g
Vitamin A:
953
IU
Vitamin C:
120
mg
Calcium:
70
mg
Iron:
2
mg
Keyword
chow chow relish, sweet relish
Tried this recipe?
Let us know
how it was!