Chow Chow (Old-Fashioned Southern Relish) 🫙🌽
This classic Chow Chow is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy Southern relish made with cabbage, green tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Perfect for topping beans, hot dogs, BBQ, or pairing with cornbread, it’s a delicious way to preserve garden veggies in a flavorful vinegar brine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Traditional Southern Flavor – Tangy, sweet, and zesty.
✔ Great for Preserving – Canned in pints, perfect for gifting or storing.
✔ Versatile Relish – Amazing on hot dogs, burgers, or beans.
✔ Simple Ingredients – Basic pantry and garden staples.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Sealed jars last for months!
Recipe Categories
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Cuisine: Southern / American
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Course: Condiment / Relish
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Cooking Method: Boiling / Canning
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Difficulty Level: Easy
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✅ Large stockpot or Dutch oven
✅ Cutting board & knife
✅ Measuring cups & spoons
✅ Stirring spoon
✅ Mason jars with lids (pint size)
✅ Canning funnel (optional, but helpful)
✅ Ladle
Chow Chow (Old-Fashioned) Recipe
Ingredients
✅ 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
✅ 6 to 8 green or red tomatoes, chopped
✅ 6 medium bell peppers (any color), chopped
✅ 6 large onions, chopped
✅ 2 hot peppers, chopped (adjust to taste)
✅ 3 cups granulated sugar
✅ 5 cups white vinegar
✅ 1/4 cup pickling salt or kosher salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop all vegetables into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and texture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large stockpot, add all the chopped vegetables, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Boil and Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Jar and Seal
Ladle the hot chow chow into sterilized pint jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims, seal with lids, and process in a water bath canner if desired for long-term storage.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Let jars cool at room temperature. Check for sealed lids. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Refrigerate any opened jars.
Tips for the Best Chow Chow
✔ Balance the Heat – Add more or fewer hot peppers depending on your spice preference.
✔ Chop Evenly – Uniform pieces cook more evenly and look better in the jar.
✔ Use Fresh Ingredients – For the brightest flavor and best texture.
✔ Sterilize Your Jars – For safety and long shelf life if canning.
✔ Try a Small Batch First – You can cut the recipe in half if you're not canning.
Serving Suggestions
🍽️ Serve over pinto beans or black-eyed peas
🌭 Spoon over hot dogs, brats, or burgers
🥪 Mix into egg or tuna salad for a tangy twist
🥄 Enjoy with cornbread and greens
🎁 Great as a homemade food gift!
Chow Chow (Old-Fashioned Southern Relish)
Equipment
- Large pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mason jars (pint size)
- Ladle and canning funnel (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 small head cabbage chopped
- 6 to 8 green or red tomatoes chopped
- 6 medium bell peppers chopped
- 6 large onions chopped
- 2 hot peppers chopped
- 3 cups sugar
- 5 cups white vinegar
- 1/4 cup pickling salt
Instructions
- Combine all chopped vegetables, sugar, vinegar, and salt in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Spoon mixture into sterilized pint jars. Seal and cool.
- Store sealed jars in a cool place. Refrigerate after opening.
Try This Southern Classic Today! 🫙🌶️
Whether you’re making it for canning season or just need the perfect relish for your beans and BBQ, this old-fashioned Chow Chow recipe will become a pantry staple. Don’t forget to share with friends—it makes a great gift!
📌 Tried this recipe? Let us know how you served it in the comments below!