Ella's Chow Chow

Bursting with vibrant colors and tangy flavors, Ella's Chow Chow is a classic Southern relish that elevates any dish with its zesty punch. This delightful recipe combines fresh green cabbage, bell peppers, green tomatoes, and onions with a perfectly balanced brine of white vinegar, sugar, ground mustard, and turmeric, along with aromatic celery and mustard seeds. A traditional crowd-pleaser, this chow chow is prepared using a simple salting process to draw out moisture, followed by a slow simmer to meld the flavors. Perfect as a condiment for hot dogs, burgers, or beans, or served as a flavorful side with hearty greens, this versatile relish is sealed in jars for short-term refrigerator storage or long-term canning. With its tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy profile, Ella's Chow Chow is a must-have addition to your pantry and a delicious way to savor peak-season produce.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 head (medium) Green cabbage
• 3 medium Green bell peppers
• 2 medium Red bell peppers
• 2 medium Yellow onions
• 4 medium Green tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Salt
• 3 cups White vinegar
• 2.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons Celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds

Directions

Step 1

Begin by thoroughly washing all vegetables. Core and finely chop the cabbage, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, yellow onions, and green tomatoes, either by hand or using a food processor.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and sprinkle the salt evenly over the top. Mix well, cover, and let sit for 4 hours to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture.

Step 3

After 4 hours, transfer the salted vegetables to a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Allow them to drain completely.

Step 4

In a large stockpot, combine the white vinegar, granulated sugar, ground mustard, ground turmeric, celery seeds, and mustard seeds. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the drained vegetable mixture to the pot. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6

Remove the pot from the heat and let the chow chow cool slightly. Using sterilized jars, ladle the chow chow into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Seal tightly with lids.

Step 7

Store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process them in a water bath canner for long-term storage according to safe canning guidelines.

Step 8

Serve the chow chow relish as a topping for hot dogs, burgers, beans, or greens, or alongside any dish that could use a tangy kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2764.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2526.7

Total Fat 6.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 14456.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 636.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.1g	0%
Total Sugars 574.8g
Protein 28.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 630.9mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 4210.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2.0%

Protein: 4.1%

Carbs: 93.9%