If you love bold, tangy condiments with a touch of heat and crunch, this Southern Chow Chow Relish is the perfect recipe for you. A staple in many Southern kitchens, Chow Chow is like a vibrant cross between a relish and coleslaw — adding the perfect finishing touch to pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, or even as a side with beans.
What Is Chow Chow Relish?
Chow Chow is a pickled relish made with cabbage, green tomatoes, peppers, and spices, simmered in a sweet and tangy vinegar base. It’s known for its bright yellow color from turmeric, a touch of heat from red pepper, and the satisfying crunch of cabbage and veggies.
Let’s dive into this easy, homemade Chow Chow recipe that you can make in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 cups white vinegar
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (for that vibrant yellow color)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- A handful of whole cloves
- A handful of whole peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 squirt of yellow mustard (adds extra tang)
- 4-5 green tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded (core included for texture and strength)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pickling Liquid
In a large pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, turmeric, red pepper, cloves, peppercorns, bay leaf, and a squirt of yellow mustard. Place the pot over medium heat and whisk the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the liquid is fragrant. Let it simmer gently while you prep the veggies.
2. Chop the Vegetables
Using a food processor makes quick work of this, but work in small batches to avoid turning the veggies too watery. Start by pulsing the green tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion until finely chopped but still slightly chunky. Transfer each batch to a bowl.
3. Shred the Cabbage
Hand-shred the cabbage using a knife or mandoline. Unlike steamed cabbage recipes, you’ll use the entire cabbage here, including the core. The sturdy texture holds up perfectly in the relish.
4. Combine and Cook
Add all your chopped vegetables and shredded cabbage into the simmering vinegar mixture. Stir everything well to coat the veggies evenly with the pickling liquid and spices.
5. Simmer the Chow Chow
Let the mixture cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want most of the liquid to absorb into the vegetables while still leaving some brine for that classic relish texture.
6. Cool and Serve
Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool. You can serve Chow Chow immediately for a crisp, fresh bite or refrigerate it for a few hours to deepen the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Spoon over pulled pork sandwiches for tangy crunch
- Add to burgers or hot dogs as a zesty topping
- Serve alongside beans or collard greens for a classic Southern side
- Mix into potato salad for extra zip
Storage Tip
Store your Chow Chow in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks, and the flavor only gets better over time.
This bright, bold relish is a must-have for BBQ season, cookouts, or whenever you want to add a Southern kick to your meals!
