Green Tomato Chowchow is a pickled relish hailing from the Southern U.S. and served as a delightful treat to be enjoyed all on its own or as a topping for burgers, hotdogs, or biscuits; it's just that deliciously versatile! The green tomatoes, cabbage, and peppers are slow-stewed, tangy, sweet, and infused throughout with zesty pickling spices and spicy jalapeño. Other relishes can only wish for its depth of flavor; no one can resist chowing down on Green Tomato Chowchow!
Ingredients
• 3 pounds of green tomatoes • 2 tablespoons salt • 1 medium head cabbage • 1 pound onions • 1 pound green and sweet red peppers, mixed and seeded • 1 jalapeño pepper, optional, seeded and chopped • 3 cups cider vinegar, plus more to taste • 2 3/4 cups sugar • 4 teaspoons mixed pickling spicesDirections
Chop the tomatoes.
Transfer the tomatoes to a strainer and sprinkle with salt.
Let the tomatoes stand for 10 minutes.
While the tomatoes stand, chop the cabbage, onions, and peppers.
Place the cabbage, onions, peppers, drained tomatoes, and jalapeño in a dutch oven.
Stir in the vinegar and sugar.
Place the pickling spices on a double-thickness of cheesecloth.
Gather the corners of the cheesecloth to enclose the spices and tie them together securely with a string. Add the cheesecloth to the dutch oven.
Bring the mixture to a boil on the stove-top over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour-1 hour 30 minutes.
Discard the spice bag.
Allow the chowchow to cool to room temperature.
Serve.
