What are the ingredients of chow chow?

Traditional chow chow includes chopped green tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, onions, carrots, corn, red sweet peppers, and celery, all soaked in a salted water bath, then simmered in a brine of white vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric.

How do they make chow chow?

First, chop and salt-soak the vegetables overnight. Next, rinse and drain them before simmering in a sweet-and-sour vinegar brine with spices. Finally, pack the hot relish into sterilized jars and process them in a boiling water bath to seal.

What is the difference between relish and chow chow?

While both are pickled condiments, relish often refers to finely chopped pickles (like dill or sweet pickle relish) used primarily on hot dogs. Chow chow is a coarser, mixed-vegetable pickled relish featuring a variety of garden veggies and a sweeter, spicier brine, giving it its signature crunch and multifaceted flavor.

What is a chow chow mixture?

A chow chow mixture is a medley of diced vegetables—such as green tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, carrots, and peppers—soaked in saltwater, then cooked in a vinegar-sugar-spice brine. It’s that “hodgepodge” of veggies that creates chow chow’s vibrant color and texture.

Amish Chow Chow Recipe

Name: Amish Chow Chow Recipe
Prep time: 8 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Cuisine: Amish
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)

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

Scale

A colorful collection of fresh ingredients used in Amish Chow Chow

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

From chopping to canning — a visual guide to Amish Chow Chow Recipe

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