Chow Down on Chow Chow Relish
I could totally understand why most of the readers are probably scratching your heads asking what the hell is Chow Chow. And I would forgive you since Chow Chow is a very Southern regional BBQ condiment, that is not found in most of the country. In fact, even in the South it is few and far between where a BBQ joint will offer Chow Chow as an option. My first introduction to Chow Chow was after moving to Alabama and trying Full Moon Bar-B-Que: fullmoonbbq.com. Not really an advertisement for them but this small regional chain has grown to sixteen locations across Alabama and Mississippi with the tag line of “the best little pork house”. Now while I am going to tell you how to make your own Chow Chow sauce/relish it would be criminal for me to not mention that you can buy Full Moon Chow Chow on Amazon and direct from Full Moon. If I can give you one piece of advice is to let your first experience with Chow Chow be the Full Moon brand Chow Chow so you have a good base to know what a good Chow Chow tastes like, and then you can experiment.
What the Hell is Chow Chow?
Chow Chow relish is a type of pickled condiment that typically consists of a mixture of vegetables, such as green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and sometimes cabbage, all finely chopped and pickled in a vinegar-based solution. It is often flavored with spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, and sugar, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet taste. Depending on the brand or how you make it, the spiciness can range from mild to spicy.
Chow Chow is commonly used in Southern cuisine in the United States as a relish for various dishes, such as hot dogs, burgers, and beans. It adds a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor to meals.
Origins: the Deep South
The roots of Chow Chow can be traced back to the need for preserving surplus vegetables, particularly in the late summer and early fall when gardens yielded an abundance of produce. By pickling vegetables, families could extend their shelf life and enjoy them throughout the winter months. This practice was especially important in farming communities. Chow Chow sauce reflects the diverse cultural influences on Southern cuisine, including Native American, African, and European culinary traditions. The use of vinegar and spices in preservation techniques can be linked to these different cultural practices, which merged over time in the Southern United States.
As Chow Chow sauce became popular, regional variations developed. Southern Chow Chow typically features a combination of green tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, while Northern versions may include a wider variety of vegetables. These variations were often influenced by local agricultural practices and available produce. By the 19th century, Chow Chow had become a staple condiment in Southern cuisine. It was served alongside meats, beans, and other hearty dishes, providing a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of Southern cooking. It was particularly popular during barbecues and community gatherings.
The primary differences between Southern and Northern Chow Chow relish lie in their ingredients, flavor profiles, and uses:
Southern Chow Chow: Typically includes a mixture of finely chopped vegetables such as green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage. It often has a sweeter flavor due to the addition of sugar and may include spices like mustard seeds and turmeric.
Flavor Profile: Generally sweeter and spicier, making it a great complement to rich or savory dishes, especially in Southern cuisine.
Culinary Uses: Commonly served as a condiment for dishes like collard greens, beans, hot dogs and BBQ.
Northern Chow Chow: Usually has a more varied mix of vegetables, which can include cauliflower, carrots, and beans. Northern Chow Chow tends to be less sweet and tangier, with vinegar being a dominant flavor.
Flavor Profile: More acidic and tangy, often used to add a sharp contrast to meats and other dishes.
Culinary Uses: Often used as a side dish or condiment for meats, sandwiches, and burgers, providing a crunchy texture.
Key Ingredients:
The beauty of Chow Chow sauce lies in its flexibility. Remember that Chow Chow comes from the need of preserving vegetables, especially at the end of the growing season. Families would create Chow Chow to ensure that surplus produce did not go to waste. So, whatever needed preserving could find its way into the Chow Chow. While there are many variations, some more common ingredients include:
Green Tomatoes they are the primary base of many Chow Chow recipes, offering a tart base flavor.
Sweet (Vidalia) Onions adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Bell Peppers contribute both flavor and crunch.
Cabbage is often included for added texture.
Vinegar provides the core ingredient that gives Chow Chow its tangy taste and preservation.
Sugar balances the acidity from the vinegar and enhances the overall flavor.
Spices can include mustard seeds, turmeric, and red pepper flakes are often used for an extra kick.
Now that I have piqued your interest, here’s a simple recipe for Southern Chow Chow sauce/relish that you can make at home. This relish is perfect for adding a tangy kick to your favorite dishes!
Southern Chow Chow Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
4 cups chopped green tomatoes
1 cup chopped sweet onions
1 cup chopped bell peppers (green or any color you prefer)
1 cup chopped cabbage (optional)
1/4 cup salt
2 cups vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon celery seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage (if using). Sprinkle the salt over the vegetables, mix well, and let them sit for about 2 hours. This process helps to draw out excess moisture.
- Rinse and Drain:
After 2 hours, rinse the salted vegetables under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Pickling Liquid:
In a large pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and celery seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Combine and Simmer:
Add the drained vegetables to the pot with the pickling liquid. Stir to combine and bring the mixture back to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Jar the Chow Chow:
Sterilize your canning jars and lids. Carefully ladle the hot Chow Chow sauce into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal.
- Seal and Process:
Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight. If you wish to preserve the Chow Chow for longer storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10-15 minutes. Adjust the time based on your altitude.
- Cool and Store:
After processing, remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean towel or cooling rack. Once cooled, ensure that the lids have sealed properly (they should not pop when pressed). Store the jars in a cool, dark place.
Enjoying Your Chow Chow Sauce:
Your Southern Chow Chow sauce will be ready to enjoy after a few days of sitting, as the flavors will develop over time. Serve it as a condiment for barbecue, hot dogs, or burgers, or incorporate it into your favorite dishes for a tangy twist!
Tips:
- Experiment with the vegetables and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Carrots, Jalapeno’s, etc.
- This Chow Chow sauce can be stored for several months if canned properly.
How do you use Chow Chow?
Personally, I love Chow Chow so I put it in everything, even deviled eggs…yum!
It can be incorporated into recipes for potato salad, coleslaw, or bean dishes, enhancing the flavors with its unique combination of spices and acidity. But when it comes to BBQ,
Chow Chow is often used in sandwiches, particularly those featuring meats like a pulled pork sandwich. The tangy and slightly sweet flavor of Chow Chow complements the rich, smoky, and savory flavors typical of barbecue meats. It adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the heaviness of the meat.
Chow Chow represents the Southern culinary history, born out of necessity and shaped by cultural influences over the years. Today, it remains a beloved condiment that not only enhances meals but also pays homage to the traditions of preserving food and celebrating the harvest. Whether enjoyed at a family barbecue or used in creative recipes, Chow Chow continues to be a cherished part of Southern cuisine. Known for its vibrant colors and zesty taste, this sauce is often used to enhance various dishes, especially in barbecue culture. Adding Chow Chow sauce to your meals is a surefire way to bring a taste of Southern tradition to your table.
Remember that even if you don’t have the skills and equipment to safely can and preserve foods at home. That does not mean that you can’t enjoy a good Chow Chow no matter where you live. Like I said earlier Amazon carries several different brands of Chow Chow. Although my personal favorite is that from Full Moon BBQ, it has a slight bite and crunch to it with just the slightest spice profile. A couple other brands seem to overcook the veggies enough that you lose some texture. If you have never had Chow Chow, you can order direct from Full Moon and as of November 2024 a jar will cost you $7.49 plus shipping. You will thank me.
James Nicholas