Imagine a condiment so vibrant and versatile that it can elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary! Chow Chow Green Tomato Relish is not just a recipe; it's a Southern culinary tradition that captures the essence of preserving summer's bounty with a burst of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food enthusiast, this relish will transport your taste buds to a nostalgic Southern kitchen, where every jar tells a story of heritage and home-cooked goodness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 3 pints
Ingredients
- 4 cups green tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 tsp mustard seed
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly clean all vegetables. Carefully chop green tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions into uniform small dice, approximately 1/4-inch pieces to ensure consistent texture and cooking.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed stainless steel or enamel pot, combine chopped green tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. This mixture will form the base of your relish.
- Add sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, turmeric, and salt to the vegetable mixture. Stir ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and sugar.
- Place pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer the relish, continuing to stir occasionally. Allow the mixture to cook down and thicken, which typically takes about 45 minutes.
- While cooking, skim off any foam that develops on the surface to maintain a clear, clean-looking relish.
- Test the relish's consistency by running a wooden spoon through the mixture - it should leave a brief trail and have a jam-like thickness.
- Sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes prior to filling.
- Carefully ladle the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe jar rims clean to ensure proper sealing.
- Process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to create a proper seal, ensuring long-term preservation.
- Remove jars and allow them to cool completely. Check seals and store in a cool, dark pantry. Relish will continue to develop flavor over the next few weeks.
Tips
- Choose firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best texture and tartness.
- Use a sharp knife to ensure uniform, small-sized vegetable pieces for even cooking.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve a consistent thickness.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Allow the relish to cool completely before sealing jars to enhance flavor development.
- Store in a cool, dark pantry and let the relish mature for 2-3 weeks for maximum flavor complexity.
- Use sterilized, clean jars to ensure food safety and longer preservation.
- Experiment with serving alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a unique condiment for cheese boards.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 329kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
