Grandma's Pennsylvania Dutch Chow-Chow Delight
Experience a taste of tradition with this authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Chow-Chow Delight, a vibrant relish steeped in history and flavor. Passed down from my grandmother, this recipe captures the essence of summer with seasonal vegetables perfectly preserved in a tangy, sweet brine. Each bite offers a delightful crunch, making it the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes, from hearty meats to fresh salads. Revel in the rich cultural heritage of the Pennsylvania Dutch, where relish is more than a condiment; it's a culinary expression of community and celebration. Canning this chow-chow not only preserves the enchanting flavors of summer but also fills your pantry with a taste of home for months to come. Whether enjoyed at family gatherings, holiday feasts, or as a daily condiment, this Chow-Chow is guaranteed to be a cherished addition to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried navy beans
1 lb (Soaked and cooked)
Dried red kidney beans
1 lb (Soaked and cooked)
Lima beans
1 quart (About 5 pounds unshelled, shelled, and cooked)
String beans
2 lbs (Trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
Cauliflower
1 large head (Trimmed and cut into small florets)
Celery
1 bunch (Chopped)
Sweet red peppers
4 large (Diced)
Sweet green peppers
4 large (Diced)
Carrots
2 lbs (Peeled and diced)
Boiling onions
1 1/2 cups (Can use canned, rinsed and drained)
Sweet gherkins
1 1/2 cups (Can use canned, rinsed and drained)
White vinegar
1 gallon (N/A)
Granulated sugar
6 cups (N/A)
Canning salt
1/4 cup (To taste)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the dried beans according to package instructions until thoroughly cooked. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large stockpot, combine the white vinegar, granulated sugar, and canning salt. Stir gently and bring to a boil, ensuring that both sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
3
Once the mixture is at a rolling boil, carefully add the cooked beans, chopped vegetables (cauliflower, celery, peppers, carrots, and string beans), boiling onions, and sweet gherkins. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
4
Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the chow-chow to simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until vegetables soften but retain their crispness.
5
Remove from the heat. Using a ladle, fill hot sterilized jars with the hot chow-chow, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars to ensure a good seal.
6
Seal the jars with sterilized lids and place them in a boiling water canner. Process the jars for 10 minutes if at an altitude of up to 1,000 feet, or 15 minutes if between 1,000 and 6,000 feet. Refer to the USDA guidelines for safe canning practices.
7
Once processed, carefully remove the jars from the water and place them on a clean towel to cool completely. Check the seals after 24 hours; any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used promptly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Pennsylvania Dutch Chow-Chow Delight?
It is a traditional vegetable relish featuring seasonal vegetables preserved in a sweet and tangy vinegar brine, passed down through generations in Pennsylvania Dutch culture.
What types of beans are included in this Chow-Chow?
This recipe uses four types of beans: dried navy beans, dried red kidney beans, lima beans, and fresh string beans.
How long should the vegetable mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for at least 30 minutes until the vegetables soften but still retain their crispness.
What ingredients make up the brine?
The brine consists of one gallon of white vinegar, six cups of granulated sugar, and one-quarter cup of canning salt.
Do the dried beans need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the dried navy beans and red kidney beans must be soaked and thoroughly cooked according to package instructions before being added to the pot.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
You should leave approximately 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar before sealing.
What is the water bath processing time for low altitudes?
For altitudes up to 1,000 feet, the jars should be processed in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.
What is the processing time for higher altitudes?
For altitudes between 1,000 and 6,000 feet, the jars should be processed for 15 minutes.
Can I use canned vegetables for the onions and gherkins?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of canned boiling onions and canned sweet gherkins, provided they are rinsed and drained.
What kind of peppers are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for four large sweet red peppers and four large sweet green peppers, both diced.
How should the cauliflower be prepared?
One large head of cauliflower should be trimmed and cut into small florets.
How much lima beans are needed?
You will need one quart of shelled and cooked lima beans, which requires about 5 pounds of unshelled beans.
What type of salt is recommended for this recipe?
Canning salt is required to ensure a clear brine and proper preservation.
How do I prepare the string beans?
Use two pounds of string beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
How many carrots are in the recipe?
The recipe requires two pounds of carrots that have been peeled and diced.
What should I do after the jars have been processed?
Remove them from the water, place them on a clean towel to cool for 24 hours, and then check the seals.
What if a jar does not seal properly?
Any unsealed jars should be stored in the refrigerator and used promptly rather than kept in the pantry.
Is this a sweet or savory relish?
It is a sweet and tangy relish, thanks to the combination of 6 cups of sugar and a gallon of white vinegar.
How much celery is used?
One full bunch of chopped celery is included in the mixture.
Can I use any vinegar?
The recipe specifically calls for white vinegar to maintain the traditional flavor and preservation levels.
What are the suggested pairings for Chow-Chow?
It is the perfect accompaniment for hearty meats, fresh salads, or served as a side dish at family gatherings.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 14 specific ingredients used to create this Chow-Chow.
How much sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 6 cups of granulated sugar.
How much navy beans do I need?
One pound of dried navy beans is used, which must be soaked and cooked.
How many sweet gherkins are added?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/2 cups of sweet gherkins.
What is the cultural significance of this dish?
In the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, relish is a culinary expression of community and a way to celebrate and preserve the summer harvest.
What size should the carrots be diced?
The two pounds of carrots should be peeled and diced into small, bite-sized pieces.
Why is it important to wipe the jar rims?
Wiping the rims ensures that no food particles interfere with the lid's ability to create an airtight seal during processing.
How much red kidney beans are required?
You will need one pound of dried red kidney beans, prepared by soaking and cooking.
How much boiling onions are used?
The recipe requires 1 and 1/2 cups of boiling onions.