Southern Chow Chow Relish: A Quick and Flavorful Delight

Chow chow relish is a classic Southern staple that adds a tangy, spicy kick to a variety of dishes. This recipe simplifies the process by using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix, cutting down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re serving it alongside sausage, hot dogs, chicken, or even BBQ beans, this relish is a delightful addition to your table. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a standout condiment that’s as versatile as it is tasty.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups white vinegar
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• ½ tablespoon whole cloves
• ½ tablespoon whole mustard seeds
• ½ tablespoon whole peppercorns
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard seed
• ¼ teaspoon celery seed
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• ⅛ teaspoon allspice
• 2 green tomatoes or tomatillos, chopped
• 1 orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 Cubanelle, banana, or jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (12 oz) package shredded cabbage or slaw mix

Preparation

1. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
   • In a large pot, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices (cloves, mustard seeds, peppercorns, ground mustard seed, celery seed, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and allspice). Bring to a low boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add the Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped green tomatoes (or tomatillos), orange bell pepper, Cubanelle (or other spicy peppers), onion, and shredded cabbage to the pot. Stir well to combine with the spiced vinegar mixture.
3. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should become tender and the flavors will develop.
4. Jar and Store:
   • While the chow chow is cooking, sterilize your jars and lids by baking them in the oven. Once the chow chow is ready, use a wide-mouth funnel to pour it into the sterilized jars. Seal with the sterilized lids.
5. Cool and Refrigerate:
   • Let the jars cool to room temperature. Store the chow chow in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Bonus Tip

For a touch of extra flavor, consider adding a bit of diced fresh garlic or a splash of hot sauce to the chow chow before simmering. This will add an extra layer of complexity to the relish. Additionally, for a more vibrant color and a sweeter note, you might opt for a slaw mix that includes a bit of red cabbage, though it will turn the chow chow a pinkish hue.

Conclusion

This Southern chow chow relish is a quick and easy way to make a flavorful condiment that enhances any meal. Its tangy, spicy profile and crunchy texture offer a delightful contrast to many dishes. With minimal preparation and a bit of patience while it simmers, you’ll have a homemade relish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it at your next BBQ or enjoy it as a unique topping for your favorite dishes. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your culinary repertoire!