Sweet Chow Chow Recipe

A vibrant and tangy Sweet Chow Chow recipe with a customizable spice level! This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for canning, resulting in delicious homemade relish that's great on burgers, hot dogs, or as a side dish. Make it mild or add a fiery kick – the choice is yours!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 905.6 kcal
Protein 18g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Sweet Chow Chow 30

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Sweet Chow Chow

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Sweet Chow Chow? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Sweet Chow Chow

  1. Roughly chop tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and bell peppers.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables. Add salt and gently mix. Let stand for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to draw out moisture.
  3. Rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold water and drain well in a colander. Squeeze out any excess liquid.
  4. Transfer the drained vegetables to a large, heavy-bottomed kettle or pot.
  5. Add the vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and turmeric. Stir in the minced hot peppers (and cayenne pepper, if using).
  6. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and boil gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  7. While the chow chow is simmering, prepare your jars. Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and sterilize by boiling for 10 minutes.
  8. Carefully ladle the hot chow chow into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
  9. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth, then seal with lids and rings.
  10. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust processing time based on your altitude – consult a canning guide for specifics).
  11. Allow jars to cool completely. You should hear a ‘pop’ sound as the jars seal. Check seals to ensure they are secure.
  12. Let the chow chow stand for at least 2 weeks before opening to allow flavors to meld. Store in a cool, dark pantry.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

339 g

Sugar

796g

Fat

1g

Carbs

73g