Homemade Chowchow Relish is a delightful and versatile condiment that adds a unique, pickled tang to your dishes. Known for its vibrant colors and zesty flavors, this Southern staple can elevate sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned canner or new to the craft, creating your own batch of this relish is both an art and a joy. Here are seven easy steps to making your own delicious Chowchow Relish at home, preserving the flavors of summer vegetables for enjoyment all year round.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To start your Chowchow journey, you’ll need:
- 1 quart finely chopped cabbage
- 1 cup chopped green tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, green, or a mix)
- 1⁄2 cup chopped cucumbers
- 1⁄2 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 3⁄4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cloves
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
🍲 Note: Feel free to adjust the quantities and types of vegetables to match your taste or what you have on hand.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables
Chop all your vegetables into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that they absorb the flavors evenly during the pickling process. Rinse and drain them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 3: Salt the Vegetables
Toss the chopped vegetables with kosher salt in a large bowl, and let them sit for at least an hour. This step helps draw out excess water, making for a crisper relish. After an hour, drain and rinse the vegetables to remove excess salt.
Step 4: Make the Brine
Combine vinegar, sugar, and all the spices in a large saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, and let the spices meld together for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Cook
Add the drained vegetables to the simmering brine. Cook for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables soften but retain some crunch. Stir occasionally to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the flavors are evenly distributed.
🌶️ Note: If you prefer your Chowchow Relish with a bit more bite, cook it for less time.
Step 6: Sterilize Jars
While the relish is simmering, prepare your canning jars. Wash them in hot, soapy water or run them through a dishwasher cycle. Sterilize the jars, lids, and rings by boiling them for 10 minutes.
Step 7: Fill, Seal, and Process
Using a canning funnel, ladle the hot relish into the prepared jars, leaving about 1⁄2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on, and screw on the rings until finger-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.
| Altitude (Feet) | Additional Processing Time |
|---|---|
| 1,000-3,000 | +5 minutes |
| 3,001-6,000 | +10 minutes |
| 6,001-8,000 | +15 minutes |
🍏 Note: Always check the seal after processing. If the lid doesn’t ‘pop’ down when pressed, it didn’t seal properly and should be refrigerated and used within a week.
Creating homemade Chowchow Relish is a rewarding process that connects you with traditional methods of food preservation. With this relish, you've not only preserved the bounty of the season but also created a flavorful and colorful addition to your pantry. Enjoy your homemade Chowchow on everything from sandwiches to grilled meats, or even as a standalone treat. Remember, the real magic happens when you open that jar and savor the taste of summer all year round.
How long can Chowchow Relish last once canned?
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If properly canned and sealed, Chowchow Relish can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place. After opening, store it in the refrigerator and use within a month for the best flavor.
Can I substitute any of the vegetables in the recipe?
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Yes, you can substitute vegetables to suit your taste or based on what’s available. However, keep in mind that different vegetables will change the texture and flavor profile of your relish.
Why do you need to process the jars in boiling water?
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Processing in boiling water ensures that the jars are sterilized, killing any bacteria that could spoil the relish. It also helps to create a vacuum seal, which is crucial for long-term storage without refrigeration.
Can I adjust the spice level in Chowchow Relish?
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Absolutely! Feel free to reduce or increase the amount of spices like mustard seed or turmeric, or even add heat with some chili flakes if you like your relish spicy.
What dishes pair well with Chowchow Relish?
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Chowchow Relish is incredibly versatile. It goes great with BBQ meats, in potato salads, on hot dogs, and even as a side condiment to roast pork or chicken.
