Hearty German Chow-Chow Sauerkraut Relish
Embrace the robust flavors of traditional German cuisine with this easy-to-make chow-chow sauerkraut relish. Perfectly tangy and sweet, this relish adds a delightful crunch and vibrant flavor to your meals, whether served atop hearty beans and greens, black-eyed peas, bratwursts, or grilled fish. Slow-simmered to perfection, this dish marries the tastes of fresh vegetables and tangy sauerkraut, transforming simple dishes into gourmet delights. Enjoy it freshly made or let it sit overnight to enhance the flavors—a beloved recipe that even my dad can’t resist eating straight from the jar!
5
Servings
53
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
sauerkraut
2 (16 ounce) cans (not drained, without vinegar (I use Silver Floss Barrel Cured Shredded Sauerkraut))
green bell pepper
1 large (finely chopped)
red onion or sweet vidalia onion
1 large (finely chopped)
celery
4 stalks (finely chopped)
apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
brown sugar
6 tablespoons (firmly packed)
water
as needed (to cover)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the sauerkraut (including the canning liquid), green bell pepper, onion, celery, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and enough water to just cover the mixture.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more water as necessary to maintain a thick consistency—your relish should not be too watery.
4
Avoid inhaling the steam during cooking, as the vinegar fumes can be overwhelming.
5
Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as preferred. Serve warm or store in the refrigerator for later use. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight and taste even better the next day.
Nutrition Information
0.4g
Fat
12.4g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
1.6g
Fiber
6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty German Chow-Chow Sauerkraut Relish?
It is a tangy and sweet vegetable condiment made with sauerkraut, peppers, onions, and celery, slow-simmered to create a robust German flavor profile.
What are the main ingredients for this relish recipe?
The main ingredients include canned sauerkraut, green bell pepper, red or sweet onion, celery, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and water.
How long does it take to cook this chow-chow relish?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for 1 to 3 hours after being brought to a boil.
Which brand of sauerkraut is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using Silver Floss Barrel Cured Shredded Sauerkraut.
Should I drain the sauerkraut before adding it to the pot?
No, you should use the sauerkraut without draining it, making sure to include the canning liquid.
What are some serving suggestions for this relish?
It is delicious served atop hearty beans and greens, black-eyed peas, bratwursts, or grilled fish.
Can I use a different type of onion other than red onion?
Yes, you can use either a large red onion or a sweet Vidalia onion for this recipe.
How many calories are in a single serving of this relish?
There are 53 calories per serving.
How much sugar is contained in each serving?
Each serving contains 6g of sugar.
Is this sauerkraut relish low in fat?
Yes, it is very low in fat, containing only 0.4g per serving.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
Each serving provides 1.6g of dietary fiber.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 12.4g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this relish contain any protein?
Yes, each serving contains 1.6g of protein.
Can I adjust the flavor after the relish is finished cooking?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your preference once it has finished simmering.
Are there any safety precautions to take while cooking?
It is advised to avoid inhaling the steam during cooking as the vinegar fumes can be quite overwhelming.
Does the relish taste better if prepared in advance?
Yes, letting the relish sit in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully and it tastes even better the next day.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of firmly packed brown sugar.
How much water should I add to the mixture?
Add enough water to just cover the vegetables and sauerkraut, and add more as needed during simmering to maintain consistency.
What is the ideal consistency for the relish?
The relish should have a thick consistency and should not be too watery.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The green bell pepper, onion, and celery stalks should all be finely chopped.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
You will need 4 stalks of celery for this recipe.
Can this relish be served warm?
Yes, it can be served warm immediately or cold after being stored in the refrigerator.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make vegetable condiment.
What is the initial heat setting for cooking?
The mixture should first be brought to a boil over medium-high heat before reducing to a simmer.
How often should I stir the relish while it simmers?
You should stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the saucepan.
Is this a traditional German dish?
The recipe is inspired by traditional German cuisine and is labeled as a German-style chow-chow.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
Can I eat this relish straight from the jar?
Yes, the flavor is so appealing that it can be enjoyed straight from the jar.
What is the specific preparation for the sauerkraut component?
Use two 16-ounce cans of shredded sauerkraut, undrained, and without added vinegar.