chow chow

With all of the vegetables that are in season right now, I really wanted to make some kind of relish. I considered a spicy corn relish, but finally settled on Chow Chow. Chow Chow is a type of relish that's chock full of vegetables including green tomatoes (which I had the hardest time finding). It's popular in the southern states and the east coast of Canada and served on everything from various types of meats to hamburgers to baked beans. I can't wait to crack open a jar in a couple of months.

makes four 500 ml jars

2 C firm pickling cucumbers, diced

1 1/2 C red pepper, diced

1 1/2 C green cabbage, diced

1 1/2 C sweet onion, diced

1 1/2 C green tomatoes, diced

1 1/2 C carrots, diced and blanched 

1 C green beans, diced and blanched

9 C water 

1 C kosher salt

2 C white vinegar

1 C cider vinegar

2 1/2 C sugar

3 tbsp mustard seeds

2 tbsp celery seeds

1 tbsp tumeric

1. Combine all of the vegetables except carrots and beans in a large bowl. Add 8 cups of the water and the salt. Mix, cover and let sit overnight in the fridge.

2. The next day rinse and drain the vegetables. 

3. Combine remaining 1 cup of water, vinegars and spices in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Add all of the vegetables including carrots and beans. Simmer for 45 minutes. 

4. Ladle into sterilized mason jars leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Process in boiling water for 15 minutes.