How to Make Delicious Chow Chow: Your Ultimate Guide

Have you ever tried chow chow? It’s a popular relish made with a variety of vegetables that is loved by many. The great thing about making your own chow chow is that you can customize it to your taste. In this article, we will show you how to make chow chow in a relaxed and easy-to-follow way, so you can enjoy this delicious relish at home.

To make chow chow, you will need a variety of vegetables, including cabbage, onions, green tomatoes, red bell peppers, and jalapeños. You will also need some vinegar, sugar, and spices to add flavor. The process of making chow chow is similar to making pickles, so if you are familiar with that process, you will find this quite easy. So, let’s get started and make some chow chow!

Ingredients

To make chow chow, you will need:

1. Cabbage
2. Bell peppers
3. Onions
4. Green tomatoes
5. Carrots
6. Sugar
7. Salt
8. Mustard seeds
9. Celery seeds
10. Vinegar

Preparing the Vegetables

1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel.
2. Finely chop the cabbage, bell peppers, onions, and green tomatoes.
3. Peel and grate the carrots.

Making the Pickling Liquid

1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and vinegar.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside.

Blanching the Vegetables

1. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the chopped cabbage, bell peppers, onions, and grated carrots for 2 minutes.
2. Drain the vegetables and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Combining the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched vegetables and the pickling liquid.
2. Mix everything until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the pickling liquid.

Sterilizing the Jars

1. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water.
2. Rinse the jars and lids thoroughly and place them in a large pot filled with water.
3. Bring the pot to a boil and let the jars and lids boil for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the jars and lids from the pot and let them dry on a clean tea towel.

Filling and Sealing the Jars

1. Use a funnel to fill the jars with the chow chow mixture, leaving about an inch of space at the top of each jar.
2. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a clean, damp cloth.
3. Seal the jars with the lids and screw on the bands.
4. Place the jars in a large pot and fill the pot with water until the jars are submerged by at least an inch.
5. Bring the pot to a boil and let the jars process for 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove the jars from the pot and let them cool on a wire rack.

Storing Chow Chow

Once the jars have cooled, check the seals to make sure they are tight. Any jars with loose seals should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks. The properly sealed jars of chow chow can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. When ready to eat, serve the chow chow as a side dish or condiment with sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs. Enjoy!

Ingredients Needed to Make Chow Chow

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of making chow chow, let’s talk about the ingredients that you’ll need. Much like preparing any other type of food, having the right ingredients is critical to achieving the desired outcome.

1. Cabbage – To start off, you will need approximately 4-5 heads of cabbage, depending on the quantity of chow chow that you’re looking to make.

2. Onions – You’ll want to have a few large onions handy, as these will be used in the vegetable mix that forms the base of the chow chow.

3. Peppers – Both sweet and hot peppers will be needed, depending on the level of spiciness you’re going for.

4. Sugar – Sugar is a critical ingredient in the pickling process of chow chow, and you’ll need plenty of it. We recommend using brown sugar, as it lends a more complex flavor to the dish.

5. Vinegar – Any type of vinegar can be used, but we recommend using apple cider vinegar due to its unique flavor profile.

6. Mustard Seed – Mustard seeds are a key ingredient in chow chow, and you’ll need plenty of them to achieve that signature tang.

7. Turmeric – Turmeric is a spice that is often used in chow chow for both flavor and color.

8. Celery Seed – Celery seeds are often used in pickling recipes as they lend a unique earthy flavor to the dish.

9. Salt – Salt is a key ingredient that helps to bring the flavors of the other ingredients together.

10. Garlic – Finally, garlic is another staple ingredient in chow chow that helps to contribute a bold and savory flavor to the dish.

By having all of these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious chow chow in no time!

Equipment Needed to Make Chow Chow

Making chow chow is not rocket science, but you do need to be equipped with basic cooking tools that can make your task easier, and your job faster. Here are the equipment that you require to make chow chow:

The Chopping Board & Knife

When preparing the vegetables for chow chow, be sure to use a proper cutting board and a sharp knife. It is easier to chop the vegetables into small, consistent pieces, and ensure they will cook evenly. Use a large cutting board, preferably made from wood or plastic, to provide enough room to chop all the vegetables effectively.

The Large Pot

Chow chow involves cooking various vegetables together in a large pot. Therefore, you will require a sizable pot to cook all the ingredients. Use a pot that is big enough to allow enough water to cover the vegetables entirely.

The Strainer

Once the vegetables are thoroughly cooked, you will need to remove any excess water to get the perfect consistency. A strainer with small holes will work best to ensure that the vegetables are strained efficiently, and you can drain off any excess water.

The Spice Bag

Chow chow requires a mix of spices. A spice bag is an excellent tool to keep all the spices that you use intact. You will be able to remove the spices quickly when you need to, which will result in a perfect blend of flavors in your chow chow.

The Mason Jars

After cooking and cooling chow chow, use mason jars to store it. Mason jars are perfect for keeping the chow chow fresh and tasty. They are also easy to store in the pantry or refrigerator if you decide to freeze the chow chow for future use.

The Saucepan

After making the chow chow, you may want to enjoy it with your favorite snack. A saucepan can be used to make the chow chow sauce. The sauce can be made to suit your needs, and you can adjust the recipe to your liking. It can be used as a dip, marinade, or sauce for any dish you choose.

Time to Chow Down!

Now that you know how to make chow chow, it’s time to strut your cooking skills! Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Thanks for reading and visit again for more tasty recipes!