Homestyle Green Tomato Chow-Chow
This delightful Homestyle Green Tomato Chow-Chow recipe, passed down from my beloved ex-mother-in-law, captures the essence of southern comfort food. With a perfect blend of tart green tomatoes, savory onions, and a hint of sweetness from both white and brown sugars, this chow-chow delivers a burst of flavor that complements a variety of dishes. The pickling spices and tangy vinegar provide a rustic charm, making it the ideal accompaniment to sandwiches, grilled meats, or simply enjoyed on its own. I've cherished this recipe through the years, crafting countless jars, and I guarantee that once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your kitchen for generations to come! This recipe yields approximately six pints, perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring throughout the year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green tomatoes
9 lbs (Washed and chopped)
Onions
6 lbs (Peeled and sliced fine)
Salt
1 cup (For soaking vegetables)
White vinegar
4 cups (For cooking)
Water
6 cups (Split into 4 cups for soaking and 2 cups for cooking)
Pickling spices
1/2 cup (In a cloth bag)
White sugar
2 1/2 lbs (For sweetness)
Brown sugar
2 1/2 lbs (For sweetness)
Cornstarch
1/2 cup (For thickening)
Dry mustard
2 teaspoons (For flavor)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (For color and flavor)
Red pepper
1 (Finely chopped)
Instructions
1
The night before making the chow-chow, combine the green tomatoes and sliced onions in a large bowl. Add the salt and first 4 cups of water, ensuring the vegetables are well submerged. Cover and soak overnight.
2
In the morning, drain the mixture thoroughly and set aside.
3
Gather the pickling spices and place them in a cloth bag. Tie the bag securely, then crush it gently with a rolling pin to release the flavors.
4
In a large pot, combine the drained vegetables with the white vinegar and the additional 2 cups of water. Add the bag of crushed spices to the mixture.
5
Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
After 30 minutes, add both the white and brown sugars to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring to ensure the sugars dissolve completely.
7
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch, dry mustard, and turmeric together. Gradually add a small amount of the simmering liquid to this mixture to form a paste. Stir the paste back into the pot with the vegetable mix, ensuring it is well incorporated.
8
Add the finely chopped red pepper to the mixture and stir well.
9
Allow the chow-chow to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 hours, or until it reaches a thick consistency.
10
Once thick, carefully spoon the chow-chow into prepared jars. Seal according to the manufacturer's directions, ensuring that the jars are properly sealed for preservation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homestyle Green Tomato Chow-Chow?
It is a traditional Southern vegetable relish made with tart green tomatoes, savory onions, and a blend of pickling spices and sugars.
Who provided this specific recipe?
This recipe was passed down from the creator's beloved ex-mother-in-law.
How many pints does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately six pints of chow-chow.
How many pounds of green tomatoes are required?
You will need 9 pounds of green tomatoes, washed and chopped.
What quantity of onions is needed?
The recipe calls for 6 pounds of onions, peeled and sliced fine.
Why is salt used in the first step?
Salt is used to soak the vegetables overnight, which helps draw out moisture and prepare them for pickling.
How long should the tomatoes and onions soak?
The vegetables should be covered and soaked in salt water overnight.
What type of vinegar is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 4 cups of white vinegar for the cooking process.
How is the water used in this recipe?
A total of 6 cups of water is used: 4 cups for the overnight soaking and 2 cups for the cooking stage.
How are the pickling spices prepared?
Place 1/2 cup of pickling spices in a cloth bag, tie it securely, and crush it gently with a rolling pin.
Why should the spice bag be crushed?
Crushing the spice bag gently helps to release the flavors of the pickling spices into the mixture.
How much white sugar is included?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 pounds of white sugar.
How much brown sugar is added to the recipe?
You will need 2 1/2 pounds of brown sugar for sweetness and depth of flavor.
What ingredient is used to thicken the chow-chow?
A 1/2 cup of cornstarch is used as a thickening agent.
Why is turmeric included in the ingredients?
Turmeric is added to provide both a distinct yellow color and a hint of flavor.
What kind of pepper is added to the mix?
One finely chopped red pepper is added to the chow-chow mixture.
How long is the initial simmer?
The drained vegetables, vinegar, water, and spices are brought to a boil and then simmered for 30 minutes.
How long do you simmer the mixture after adding sugars?
After adding both sugars, the mixture should simmer for another 30 minutes while stirring.
How do you incorporate the cornstarch into the hot liquid?
Mix the cornstarch, dry mustard, and turmeric with a small amount of the simmering liquid to form a paste before stirring it back into the pot.
What is the final simmering time for thickening?
The chow-chow should simmer for 1 to 2 hours, or until it reaches a thick consistency.
How do I know when the chow-chow is finished cooking?
It is ready when the mixture has reached a thick consistency and all flavors have melded.
What are the recommended serving suggestions?
It is an ideal accompaniment to sandwiches, grilled meats, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Is this recipe considered a Southern dish?
Yes, it is described as capturing the essence of Southern comfort food.
What are the primary flavor notes of this chow-chow?
The dish features a perfect blend of tart green tomatoes, savory onions, tangy vinegar, and sweetness from sugars.
Can this recipe be preserved for long-term use?
Yes, the recipe includes instructions for sealing the chow-chow in jars according to manufacturer directions for preservation.
How much dry mustard is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dry mustard for flavor.
How should the onions be prepared?
The 6 lbs of onions should be peeled and sliced fine.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed, ranging from vegetables and sugars to spices and thickeners.
When is the red pepper added during the process?
The finely chopped red pepper is added after the cornstarch paste has been incorporated into the pot.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is combining the tomatoes, onions, salt, and water the night before to let them soak.