Chow Chow Recipe for Canning: A Delicious and Spicy Side Dish
Chow chow is a traditional Southern relish that's perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any meal. Made with a mix of vegetables, vinegar, and spices, it can be enjoyed as a condiment, side dish, or even as a topping for sandwiches and hot dogs. This recipe for canning chow chow will help you preserve the delicious flavors of summer for the long haul.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 10 pounds mixed vegetables: This can include a variety of vegetables like green beans, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, bell peppers, and even okra. Feel free to experiment with your favorite combinations!
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cups chopped green bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped red bell peppers
- 4 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
Preparation:
- Wash and chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped vegetables, onions, and bell peppers.
Cooking:
- In a separate saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard, celery seed, turmeric, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the vegetables in the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Canning:
- Prepare your canning jars and lids by washing them in hot, soapy water and sterilizing them.
- While the chow chow is simmering, ladle it into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
- Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening them finger-tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal, indicating they are properly processed.
Storage:
Once the jars are cool, you can store your canned chow chow in a cool, dark place. It should last for up to a year.
Tips:
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to customize the spice level to your liking. Add more red pepper flakes for a hotter chow chow, or use less if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Use different vegetables: Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables for your chow chow. You can use carrots, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes.
- Don't overfill jars: Leaving enough headspace is crucial for proper processing and sealing.
- Always use sterilized jars and lids: This helps prevent bacterial contamination.
- Follow safety guidelines: Be sure to always follow the instructions for processing times and methods to ensure the safety of your canned food.
Enjoy Your Homemade Chow Chow!
Your delicious canned chow chow is ready to be enjoyed. It's perfect for adding a spicy kick to sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, or simply served as a side dish. So next time you're looking for a tasty and easy recipe to preserve the flavors of summer, give this chow chow recipe a try!
