Southern Sweet Chow Chow

Southern Sweet Chow Chow Recipe - Cabbage, Onions, Vinegar and Spices

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 4-6 hours | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Southern Sweet Chow Chow is a traditional Southern condiment that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. This recipe combines shredded cabbage, sweet onions, and red bell peppers with a vinegar-sugar-spice mixture to create a delicious and versatile condiment.

History

Chow Chow has its roots in Southern cuisine, where it was originally made as a way to preserve excess vegetables for the winter months. The name "Chow Chow" is thought to have originated from the Chinese word for a mixture of pickled vegetables. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and flavors, but the sweet and tangy version remains a favorite in the South.

Ingredients

Vegetables

2 qt (1.89 liter) shredded cabbage
0.5 cup sweet onions, finely chopped
0.5 cup chopped green or red bell peppers (optional)
2 tbsp salt

Vinegar-sugar-spice mixture

2 cups vinegar
1.5 cups sugar
2 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp turmeric
0.5 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp celery seeds
2 tsp mustard seed

How to prepare

Vegetables

Combine the chopped vegetables and sprinkle them with salt.
Let the mixture stand in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours.
Drain the mixture well.
In a pot, combine the following ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes.
Make sure to use a pot large enough to accommodate the vegetable mix later.

Vinegar-sugar-spice mixture

Add the vegetables to the vinegar-sugar-spice mixture and simmer for another 10 minutes.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Then, pack it into clean, heated canning jars while it's still boiling hot, leaving only a 0.13 inch headspace.
Place the canning lids and rings on the jars and tighten them.
If desired, you can turn the jars upside down to ensure that all the heat is on the seals.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use green cabbage instead of red for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different spices such as cumin or coriander for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the vegetable mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use a large pot to simmer the vinegar-sugar-spice mixture and vegetables to prevent overflow.

- Pack the hot chow chow into clean, heated canning jars to ensure a proper seal.

Serving Suggestions

Southern Sweet Chow Chow is delicious served alongside grilled meats, on sandwiches, or as a topping for hot dogs or burgers.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the vegetable mixture in the vinegar-sugar-spice mixture helps to infuse the flavors and create a delicious condiment.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sweet onions, you can use regular onions instead. You can also omit the red bell peppers if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Southern Sweet Chow Chow can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Southern Sweet Chow Chow in a decorative jar or bowl for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This condiment pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and cheese platters.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Southern Sweet Chow Chow in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Southern Sweet Chow Chow contains approximately 50 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southern Sweet Chow Chow contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

There is minimal fat content in Southern Sweet Chow Chow, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Southern Sweet Chow Chow is a low-protein condiment, with less than 1 gram of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the cabbage and bell peppers. It also contains trace amounts of calcium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as mustard seeds and celery seeds. Be sure to check for any allergies before consuming.

Summary

Southern Sweet Chow Chow is a low-calorie condiment that is high in vitamin C and low in fat and protein. It makes a flavorful addition to a variety of dishes.

Summary

Southern Sweet Chow Chow is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different vegetables and spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this Southern classic on sandwiches, grilled meats, or as a topping for hot dogs and burgers.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Southern Sweet Chow Chow. It was a hot summer day in the heart of the South, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little farmhouse. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, a sweet and tangy aroma filled the air, and my mouth started watering at the thought of what delicious dish she was preparing.

Martha greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "I've got something special cooking for you today, my dear," she said, leading me over to the stove where a large pot simmered away. Curious, I peeked inside and saw a colorful medley of diced vegetables swimming in a sweet and spicy brine.

"What on earth is that?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. Martha laughed and explained that it was her famous Southern Sweet Chow Chow, a traditional Southern relish that was a staple in her family for generations.

She went on to tell me that the recipe had been passed down from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own mother, and so on and so forth. Each generation had added their own twist to the recipe, making it a unique and cherished family tradition.

As Martha stirred the pot, she shared with me the secret ingredients that made her Sweet Chow Chow so special - fresh bell peppers, onions, and cabbage, all picked from her own garden, along with a generous helping of sugar, vinegar, and spices. She explained that the key to a good chow chow was to let it simmer slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop into a harmonious blend of sweet and savory.

I watched in awe as Martha worked her magic in the kitchen, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, tasting and adjusting until the balance was just right. She then ladled the finished chow chow into mason jars, sealing them with care and labeling each one with a handwritten note.

"Here you go, my dear," Martha said, handing me a jar of the sweet concoction. "Now you can enjoy a taste of the South whenever you like."

I thanked Martha profusely and promised to savor every bite of her delicious creation. As I drove home that day, the jar of Sweet Chow Chow sitting beside me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the rich culinary heritage that had been passed down to me.

Over the years, I have made Martha's Southern Sweet Chow Chow countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on not just a dish but a piece of history and tradition.

Whenever I make a fresh batch of chow chow, the memories of that hot summer day in Martha's kitchen come flooding back, reminding me of the joy and camaraderie that good food can bring. And as I sit down to enjoy a spoonful of the sweet and tangy relish, I am filled with gratitude for the generations of cooks who came before me, each one adding their own touch to this timeless recipe.