5 Delicious Chow Chow Recipes You Have to Try

The Chow Chow is a versatile vegetable that is popular in many cuisines around the world. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals, but its unique texture and mild flavor make it an excellent addition to an array of dishes. In this post, we'll explore five delicious Chow Chow recipes that you can easily prepare at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, these recipes will inspire you to incorporate this vegetable into your meal planning.

Chow Chow Pickle

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Chow Chow, finely chopped
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the Chow Chow, ensuring the pieces are small enough to pickle well.
2. Make the Pickling Liquid: In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, salt, and pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
3. Combine and Sterilize: Add the chopped Chow Chow to the boiling liquid, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. While this is happening, prepare your jars for canning by sterilizing them.
4. Pack the Pickle: Pour the hot pickle mixture into the sterilized jars, leaving a small headspace. Seal the jars and process in a water bath for 10 minutes to ensure preservation.

👨‍🍳 Note: This recipe makes a perfect side dish for BBQs or to accompany meats. The flavors meld over time, so if you can wait, let it sit for a few days before opening.

Chow Chow Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Chow Chow, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a wok or large frying pan with vegetable oil over high heat.
2. Stir-fry Aromatics: Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Veggies In: Add the Chow Chow, bell pepper, carrot, and onion. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
4. Add Flavor: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.
5. Serve: Serve hot as a side dish or mix with noodles or rice for a complete meal.

Chow Chow and Potato Gratin

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Chow Chow, thinly sliced
• 4 potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cheese (cheddar or gruyere), grated
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for greasing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat gently until just warm but not boiling.
3. Layer and Bake: Grease a baking dish with butter. Layer half of the potatoes, then half of the Chow Chow, sprinkle with some cheese. Repeat the layers. Pour the cream mixture over the top, ensuring all the layers are covered. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
4. Cook: Bake for about 60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
5. Rest: Allow the gratin to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let it set.

Chow Chow Salsa

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Chow Chow, diced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• ¹⁄₂ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: Combine Chow Chow, tomato, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño.
3. Chill: Let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve with chips, over grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos.

Chow Chow Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium Chow Chow, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cumin
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat a pot over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add Veggies: Stir in the Chow Chow, potato, and carrot, cooking for a few minutes.
3. Simmer: Pour in the vegetable stock, add spices, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
4. Blend: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a thicker consistency, or leave it chunky as desired.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Incorporating Chow Chow into your culinary repertoire can be both fun and delicious. Each of these recipes showcases the versatility of this vegetable, making it a star in its own right. From the tangy zest of Chow Chow Pickle to the comforting warmth of the Chow Chow Soup, you can experiment with this ingredient in numerous dishes. Remember, Chow Chow's mild flavor means it pairs well with a variety of spices and flavors, so don't hesitate to get creative and add your personal touch to these recipes. Enjoy the process of cooking with Chow Chow, and relish the unique dishes you can create with this often underappreciated vegetable.

What is Chow Chow?

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Chow Chow, also known as Chayote, is a green, pear-shaped vegetable with a mild flavor. It’s commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes and is known for its nutritional benefits including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Can I use other vegetables with Chow Chow recipes?

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Yes, Chow Chow pairs well with many other vegetables. Feel free to experiment with combinations like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or even green beans to add more flavor and variety to the dishes.

Is Chow Chow suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

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Chow Chow is gluten-free, low in calories, and versatile enough to fit into vegan, vegetarian, keto, and low-carb diets. Just ensure the rest of the ingredients in the recipe align with your dietary needs.