CHOW CHOW North American Pickled Relish

Chow Chow is a beloved North American pickled relish that's been passed down through generations. Made with green tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tangy brine, it's a delicious way to preserve the garden's harvest while adding bold flavor to everyday meals.

This traditional relish develops an even richer taste as it rests, making it a wonderful make-ahead recipe. Spoon it over hot dogs, burgers, barbecue, beans, or grilled meats, and you'll instantly add a bright, flavorful kick that complements almost any savory dish.

Flavor & Texture Highlights

Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
Crisp, chunky vegetables with a satisfying bite.
Warm spices add subtle depth and aroma.
Perfect balance of vinegar, sweetness, and gentle heat.
Classic homemade relish that improves with time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A wonderful way to preserve fresh vegetables.
Perfect for gifting during the holidays.
Pairs beautifully with barbecue and comfort foods.
Develops even more flavor as it ages.
Easy to prepare in large batches.

What You'll Need to Make This Recipe

Green tomatoes are the heart of this traditional relish, offering a pleasantly tart flavor that balances beautifully with the sweet pickling mixture. Chopped onions and green bell peppers add texture and natural sweetness.

Green chile peppers provide gentle heat, while distilled white vinegar preserves the vegetables and gives the relish its signature tangy bite. Prepared horseradish adds a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.

A blend of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves gently perfumes the relish, creating the classic warm spice profile that makes Chow Chow so distinctive.

The exact ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chow Chow Step by Step

Step 1: Salt the Vegetables

Combine the chopped green tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, and salt in a very large bowl. Stir well, cover, and let the mixture stand overnight. This step helps remove excess moisture and improves the final texture.

Step 2: Drain the Mixture

The next day, drain the vegetables thoroughly, discarding the accumulated liquid.

Step 3: Prepare the Pickling Mixture

Add the drained vegetables to a large stockpot along with the chopped green chile peppers, distilled white vinegar, granulated sugar, and prepared horseradish.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Place the ground cinnamon, allspice, and cloves into a small piece of cheesecloth or a spice bag. Tie it securely and add it to the pot so the spices can infuse the relish without leaving sediment behind.

Step 5: Cook the Relish

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender while still retaining a slight bite.

Step 6: Fill the Jars

Remove the spice bag. Carefully spoon the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace. Seal the jars immediately according to safe home-canning practices.

Step 7: Let the Flavors Mature

Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks before opening. This resting period allows the flavors to blend beautifully and develop their full character.

Expert Tips

Wear gloves when handling hot chile peppers.
Use firm green tomatoes for the best texture.
Don't skip the overnight salting step.
Sterilize jars thoroughly before filling.
The flavor improves significantly after several weeks of storage.

How to Store It

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year. After opening, keep the relish refrigerated and enjoy it within several weeks for the freshest flavor. Always use a clean utensil when serving to help maintain quality.

What to Serve With

Hot dogs
Hamburgers
Pulled pork sandwiches
Barbecue chicken
Smoked sausage
Baked beans
Cornbread

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chow Chow relish?

Chow Chow is a traditional North American pickled vegetable relish made with green tomatoes, onions, peppers, vinegar, sugar, and warm spices.

How long should I wait before eating it?

For the best flavor, allow the jars to rest for at least two weeks before opening.

Can I make it milder?

Yes. Reduce the amount of green chile peppers or omit them altogether for a milder relish.

How long does homemade Chow Chow last?

Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Refrigerate after opening.

Classic Chow Chow (North American Pickled Relish)

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight resting)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: Overnight plus 45 minutes

Servings: About 8–10 pint jars

Ingredients

12½ pounds green tomatoes, chopped
8 large onions, chopped
10 green bell peppers, chopped
3 teaspoons salt
6 green chile peppers, chopped
1 quart distilled white vinegar
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

Combine the chopped tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and salt in a large bowl. Cover and let stand overnight.
Drain the vegetables thoroughly.
Transfer the vegetables to a large stockpot.
Add the chopped chile peppers, vinegar, sugar, and prepared horseradish.
Place the cinnamon, allspice, and cloves into a cheesecloth or spice bag and add it to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the spice bag.
Pack the hot relish tightly into sterilized jars and seal immediately.
Store in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks before serving.

Notes

Always follow safe home-canning practices when sealing jars.
The relish develops deeper flavor after resting for several weeks.
Refrigerate after opening and use a clean spoon each time you serve it.

Final Thoughts

Classic Chow Chow is one of those treasured homemade recipes that only gets better with time. Its combination of crisp vegetables, sweet-and-tangy brine, and warm spices makes it an incredibly versatile condiment that's perfect alongside barbecue, sandwiches, beans, and so much more. Once you have a few jars tucked away in your pantry, you'll always have a flavorful homemade relish ready to brighten any meal.