Suzys green tomato relish –If you’re looking for a delicious way to preserve the bounty of your garden, then making Chow Chow Relish is an excellent choice. This delightful condiment, featuring green tomatoes and cabbage, brings a burst of flavor to any meal. Let’s dive into this easy and satisfying recipe!
Chow Chow Relish with Green Tomatoes and Cabbage
This relish is not only a great way to use up excess vegetables, but it also pairs perfectly with sandwiches, burgers, or even as a zesty topping for your favorite dishes. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 4 cups green tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cups vinegar (5% acidity)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard seed
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped green tomatoes, shredded cabbage, chopped onion, and bell peppers. Toss them together to mix well.
- Add salt to the vegetable mixture and let it sit for about 2 hours. This will help draw out excess moisture.
- After 2 hours, rinse the vegetable mixture under cold water and drain thoroughly. This step helps to reduce the saltiness.
- In a large pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, turmeric, celery seed, black pepper, and any additional spices you prefer. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, add the drained vegetable mixture to the pot. Stir well to combine everything.
- Reduce the heat and let the relish simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to be tender yet still have a bit of crunch.
- While the relish is simmering, prepare your canning jars. Sterilize them by placing them in boiling water for a few minutes.
- Once the simmering is complete, ladle the hot relish into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a proper seal. Seal the jars with lids and rings.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to ensure they are sealed correctly and ready for long-term storage.
Let the jars cool completely on a clean kitchen towel. Once cooled, store the relish in a cool, dark place. After a few weeks, the flavors will meld beautifully, and your Chow Chow Relish will be ready to enjoy! It’s not just a condiment; it’s a taste of summer preserved for your winter meals.