Loretta's Vegetable Chow Chow Relish

2 pint jars Prep: 15 m Cook: PT0M Total: 15 m Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
Loretta's Vegetable Chow Chow Relish
Loretta is like many Cajun cooks mixing up some of this and some of that with cucumbers, bell peppers, and jalapeños. This recipe may be considered somewhat vague in directions but it is so good with rice and gravy and uses fresh vegetables from your garden that it is worth trying. Grandpa always has this on his table – Delicious with roast, rice and gravy, eggs, pinto beans, hot dogs, and hamburgers and is meant to be eaten cold.

Ingredients

2 pints servings
  • 1 to 2 medium cucumbers
  • 1 small bell pepper
  • 1 jalapeno (may be seeded)
  • 2-3 tbsp diced pimentos (optional)
  • salt to taste
  • cayenne red pepper to taste
  • white vinegar (5% acidity or lower for milder flavor), approximately 1 to 1.5 cups total to fill jars

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Lightly grind the vegetables in a chopper or food processor. The mixture should be relish thickness with small chunks, not pureed.
  2. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
  3. Pour the vegetable mixture into clean canning pint jars and fill with cold vinegar to cover. Cap tightly and place in refrigerator immediately. This is a refrigerator relish that must be kept cold and used within 2-3 weeks. For better flavor, wait two days before eating.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: How finely should I chop the vegetables?

A: Aim for a chunky relish texture - small pieces but not pureed. You want to be able to identify the vegetables but have them small enough to spoon easily onto food. A few pulses in a food processor works perfectly.

Q: Can I use regular white vinegar instead of low acidic vinegar?

A: Since this is a refrigerator relish and not shelf-stable canned, you can use regular white vinegar. The low acidic vinegar recommendation is to keep the flavor milder and less sharp. Adjust to your taste preference.

Tips and Techniques

Use fresh, firm cucumbers from the garden for best texture. If your jalapeno is particularly hot, remove the seeds and membranes. The relish gets better after sitting for 2 days as the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • cucumbers: yellow squash or zucchini
  • white vinegar: apple cider vinegar

Equipment Needed

  • food processor or vegetable chopper
  • pint-sized canning jars with lids
  • cutting board and knife

Historical Context

Chow chow relishes have been a Southern and Cajun tradition for generations, using up abundant summer garden vegetables. This refrigerator version skips the formal canning process while maintaining the tangy, crunchy condiment that Cajuns love on everything from rice and gravy to pinto beans.