Spicy Chow Chow
Delicious Chow Chow Recipe with Fresh Ingredients
Introduction
Spicy Chow Chow is a delicious and tangy relish that is perfect for adding a kick to your favorite dishes. This recipe combines a variety of peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cabbage to create a flavorful condiment that is sure to impress your taste buds.
History
Chow Chow is a traditional Southern relish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated in the United States, with variations found in different regions. The spicy version of Chow Chow adds an extra layer of flavor and heat to this classic recipe.
Ingredients
- 10 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
- 3 green bell peppers, chopped
- 3 red pepper peppers, chopped
- 2 green tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 0.5 head green cabbage, shredded
- 0.25 cup salt
- 2 cup white vinegar
- 1.25 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp celery seed
- 2 tbsp mustard seed
- 2 tbsp turmeric
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, combine peppers, tomatoes, onion, and cabbage.
- Add salt and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, then drain well.
- Pour the mixture into a large Dutch oven.
- Add vinegar, sugar, celery seed, mustard seed, and turmeric.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender.
- Let cool, then cover and store in the refrigerator.
- Makes about 2.5 qt (2.36 liter).
Variations
- Add diced carrots or green beans for added texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different types of peppers for varying levels of heat.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid irritation.
- Allowing the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours helps to develop the flavors.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spicy Chow Chow as a condiment with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for hot dogs and burgers.
Cooking Techniques
Simmering the mixture helps to blend the flavors and soften the vegetables.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use red or yellow bell peppers instead of green for a different color and flavor profile.
- Substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.
Make Ahead Tips
Spicy Chow Chow can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Spicy Chow Chow in a decorative jar or bowl for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Enjoy Spicy Chow Chow with grilled sausages, pulled pork, or fried chicken for a delicious meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Spicy Chow Chow in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
60 per serving
Carbohydrates
15g per serving
Fats
0g per serving
Proteins
1g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This recipe is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A from the peppers and tomatoes.
Alergens
This recipe may contain allergens such as mustard seeds.
Summary
This Spicy Chow Chow recipe is low in calories and fats, making it a healthy addition to your meals.
Summary
Spicy Chow Chow is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a spicy kick to your favorite dishes. With a combination of peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cabbage, this relish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
How did I get this recipe?
I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Spicy Chow Chow. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the south. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had invited a group of friends over for a potluck dinner. As the evening went on, I watched in awe as she prepared dish after dish, each one more mouthwatering than the last.
But it was the Spicy Chow Chow that caught my eye. I had never heard of it before, and I was curious to see how my grandmother would make it. As she chopped the vegetables and stirred the pot, I could see the passion and love she put into her cooking. And when she finally served the Spicy Chow Chow, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.
After the dinner was over and the guests had gone home, I asked my grandmother to teach me how to make the Spicy Chow Chow. She smiled and agreed, knowing that I shared her love for cooking. She took me into the kitchen and showed me the ingredients: cabbage, bell peppers, onions, and a variety of spices.
As she walked me through the recipe, I listened intently, taking note of every step and every measurement. My grandmother explained that the key to making a good Spicy Chow Chow was to let the flavors meld together slowly, allowing each ingredient to bring out its own unique taste. She also emphasized the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients, as they would make a world of difference in the final dish.
I watched as my grandmother chopped and stirred, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as she went along. And when the Spicy Chow Chow was finally ready, she ladled some into a bowl and handed it to me. I took a bite and was immediately transported to a world of bold flavors and spicy heat. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had found a new favorite dish.
Over the years, I continued to make the Spicy Chow Chow, adding my own twist to the recipe here and there. I experimented with different vegetables and spices, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors. And each time I made it, I thought of my grandmother and the love she had poured into teaching me her recipes.
As I grew older, I shared the Spicy Chow Chow with friends and family, always receiving rave reviews. They would ask me for the recipe, and I would happily pass it along, knowing that it was a dish that had been passed down through generations. And as I watched them enjoy the spicy heat and bold flavors of the Chow Chow, I felt a sense of pride in carrying on my grandmother's legacy.
Now, whenever I make the Spicy Chow Chow, I think of my grandmother and the lessons she taught me about cooking with passion and love. I know that she would be proud to see how far I've come, and how I've taken her recipes and made them my own. And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Spicy Chow Chow, I can't help but smile, knowing that her spirit lives on in every bite.