Chow Chow Relish

What is Chow Chow Relish? Chow Chow is a type of pickled relish found and loved throughout the Unites States but mainly in the Southeastern and Midwestern states. It is specifically popular in the Appalachian Mountains and is considered soul food. Chow Chow can contain almost any pickled vegetable, but often includes cabbage, carrots, onions, tomato, cauliflower, peas, beans and chayote. The origin of Chow Chow relish is debatable and could have ties to India, China and France. It is also associated with the Acadian people from Nova Scotia, that settled in Louisiana and used Chow Chow as an accent to fish cakes, biscuits, meat, and potatoes

 

The Art of Chow Chow Relish

Making Chow Chow relish is an art form because it requires some form of creativity. There is no single recipe to follow, Chow Chow can be made to suit whatever culinary needs you have. What other foods does the Chow Chow need to accent? Is it meat, potatoes, vegetables? The overall meal plan may affect the way in which you make your Chow Chow relish. If you are planning a cookout you may go a very different direction than you do when you are planning a romantic dinner for two. Make your Chow Chow so it is the perfect compliment to the rest of the meal. Don't be afraid to experiment, this is how you will learn to create a Chow Chow relish you and your friends and family can appreciate and enjoy.

 

An Example Recipe for Southern Chow Chow Relish

If this is your first time trying Chow Chow relish, you may want to consider making your own original recipe similar to the one below. Making fresh Chow Chow relish will give you a new understanding of this condiment and the ways in which it can be used to accent various dishes.

 

Ingredients for Cherry Apple Chow Chow Relish

  • 3 tablespoons dried cherries
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped dried apples (about 8 ounces dried apples)
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage (1 small head red cabbage)
  • 1 small Vidalia onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup orange marmalade
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
 

Steps for Making Your Own Chow Chow Relish

Step 1 - Combine all the ingredients in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil.
Step 2 - Reduce the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the liquid evaporates by one-half.
Step 3 - Refrigerate overnight in an airtight container.
Your Chow Chow relish will keep for up to 1 week. This recipe makes 2 cups.

 


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