Green Tomato Chowchow is a pickled relish hailing from the Southern U.S. and served as a delightful treat to be enjoyed all on its own or as a topping for burgers, hotdogs, or biscuits; it’s just that deliciously versatile! The green tomatoes, cabbage, and peppers are slow-stewed, tangy, sweet, and infused throughout with zesty pickling spices and spicy jalapeño. Other relishes can only wish for its depth of flavor; no one can resist chowing down on Green Tomato Chowchow!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of green tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 medium head cabbage
- 1 pound onions
- 1 pound green and sweet red peppers, mixed and seeded
- 1 jalapeño pepper, optional, seeded and chopped
- 3 cups cider vinegar, plus more to taste
- 2 3/4 cups sugar
- 4 teaspoons mixed pickling spices
Directions
Step 1 –Chop the tomatoes.
Step 2 –Transfer the tomatoes to a strainer and sprinkle with salt.
Step 3 –Let the tomatoes stand for 10 minutes.
Step 4 –While the tomatoes stand, chop the cabbage, onions, and peppers.
Step 5 –Place the cabbage, onions, peppers, drained tomatoes, and jalapeño in a dutch oven.
Step 6 –Stir in the vinegar and sugar.
Step 7 –Place the pickling spices on a double-thickness of cheesecloth.
Step 8 –Gather the corners of the cheesecloth to enclose the spices and tie them together securely with a string. Add the cheesecloth to the dutch oven.
Step 9 –Bring the mixture to a boil on the stove-top over medium heat.
Step 10 –Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour-1 hour 30 minutes.
Step 11 –Discard the spice bag.
Step 12 –Allow the chowchow to cool to room temperature.
Step 13 –Serve.