Amish Chow Chow
This Amish Chow Chow recipe is a classic sweet and tangy relish made from a colorful mix of green tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, and onions, all simmered in a perfectly seasoned vinegar brine. This traditional favorite is a great way to preserve garden-fresh vegetables and adds a burst of flavor to beans, sandwiches, and more. With simple canning instructions, you can enjoy this old-fashioned relish all year long!
Ingredients
Fresh Vegetables
- 6-8 fresh tomatoes
- 3 medium yellow or white onions
- 4 medium bell peppers of mixed colors
- ½ medium head cabbage
Instructions
Prepping the Vegetables
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
- Finely chop the green tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage. Keep the pieces small and uniform for even flavor and texture.
- Transfer chopped veggies to a large bowl.
Salt and Rest the Vegetables
- Sprinkle ¼ cup salt over the chopped vegetables and stir well.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours to draw out excess moisture.
- After chilling, rinse the vegetables under cold water and drain well to remove the salt.
Make the Pickling Brine
- In a large pot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, and celery seed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Relish
- Add the rinsed vegetables to the pot and stir well.
- Simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is tender and the flavors meld together.
Sterilize Jars and Pack the Relish
- While the relish is cooking, sterilize your canning jars in boiling water.
- Using a ladle and funnel, pack the hot relish into the sterilized jars, leaving ½ inch of headspace.
Seal and Process the Jars
- Wipe jar rims clean, place lids on top, and screw bands on until fingertip-tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).
- Remove jars and let them cool completely on a towel-lined surface.