Get ready to go back in time with this AMAZING old-fashioned Chow Chow! Seriously, this relish is a game-changer for sandwiches, burgers, and pretty much anything you can think of. I whipped up a batch and it’s already disappearing fast! You HAVE to try this!
**Old Fashioned Chow Chow**
This is the perfect sweet and tangy relish that will liven up any meal!
**Yields:** About 6-8 pints
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Cook time:** 1.5 – 2 hours
**Ingredients:**
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1 small head of cabbage (about 2 lbs), finely chopped
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* 6-8 ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped (about 3 lbs)
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* 6 medium bell peppers (a mix of green, red, and yellow is lovely!), seeded and chopped
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* 6 large yellow onions, chopped
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* 2 cups apple cider vinegar
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* 2 cups granulated sugar
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* 1/4 cup salt
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* 1 tablespoon celery seed
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* 1 tablespoon mustard seed
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* 1 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
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**Prep the Veggies:** In a large bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Sprinkle with the salt and toss well. Let this mixture sit for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This step helps draw out excess liquid.
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2. **Drain the Veggies:** After the resting period, drain the vegetables very thoroughly. You can use a colander and press down firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
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3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the drained vegetables, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, mustard seed, and black pepper.
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4. **Cook the Chow Chow:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring often to prevent sticking. The chow chow is ready when the vegetables are tender and the liquid has thickened into a relish-like consistency.
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5. **Jarring (Optional but Recommended!):** While the chow chow is still hot, carefully ladle it into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, apply lids and bands, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if you want to store it long-term. Otherwise, let it cool completely and store it in the refrigerator.
Enjoy this taste of nostalgia! Let me know if you give it a try!