Description
This classic Amish Chow Chow Recipe is a sweet-and-tangy pickled relish made with green tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and a vibrant mix of vegetables. Perfect for canning and enjoying year-round, it’s an old-fashioned way to preserve garden harvests with bold, zesty flavor. Use it to top sandwiches, hot dogs, beans, or mashed potatoes—your pantry will thank you!
Ingredients

- 4 cups chopped green tomatoes (about 6–8 medium)
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage (1 small head)
- 2 cups chopped green beans
- 2 cups chopped onions (white or yellow)
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or drained canned)
- 2 cups chopped red sweet peppers
- 2 cups chopped celery
- ¼ cup canning salt
- Ice water to cover vegetables
- For the brine:
- 5 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard seed
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
Instructions

- In a large bowl, combine all chopped vegetables.
- Sprinkle with canning salt and cover with ice water. Let sit in the refrigerator overnight.
- Drain and rinse vegetables thoroughly the next day.
- In a large pot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric. Bring to a boil.
- Add the drained vegetables and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pack hot relish into sterilized pint jars, leaving ½-inch headspace.
- Wipe rims, apply lids and bands, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove jars and let cool. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Notes
Don’t skip the salt soak—it keeps veggies crisp.
Use 5% acidity vinegar for safe canning.
Add red pepper flakes if you like a spicier version.
Recipe yields about 6–7 pints.
Perfect topping for BBQ, hot dogs, and beans.
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Canning, Condiment
- Method: Boiling Water Bath
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg