Chow-chow Recipe

Chow-chow is a delightful relish that has been enjoyed for generations. With its origins in the southern United States, this recipe has been passed down from one generation to the next, becoming a staple in many households. The name "chow-chow" is believed to have originated from the Indian word "achar" which means pickle.

Fun Fact: Chow-chow has roots in both British and Indian cuisines. British settlers in India adapted the Indian pickle-making technique using local produce, resulting in the creation of chow-chow.

Now, let's dive into how to make this delicious relish!

Ingredients:
- 6 pickles
- 1 small cauliflower
- 1 cup green beans
- 1 cup wax beans
- 1 cup little onions
- 2 green peppers
- 2 red peppers
- Salt
- 1 gallon or more of pickling vinegar
- 1 pound ground mustard
- Cloves
- Whole peppers
- Mustard seed
- 1 tablespoon curry powder

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing all the vegetables. Finely chop the pickles, cauliflower, green and red peppers. Cut the green beans and wax beans into small pieces. Keep the little onions whole.

2. In a large bowl, mix the chopped vegetables together, except for the little onions. Sprinkle salt over the mixture, ensuring all the vegetables are coated. Leave the vegetables to sit overnight, this will help draw out excess water.

3. The next morning, drain the excess water from the vegetables and transfer them to a large jar.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the ground mustard with a small amount of cold water. Mix well until a wet paste forms.

5. Now it's time to prepare the vinegar and spice mixture. In a saucepan, bring the pickling vinegar to a boil. Add in the cloves, whole peppers, mustard seed, and curry powder. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Once the vinegar and spice mixture has boiled, carefully pour it over the vegetables in the jar. Ensure that the vegetables are completely covered.

7. Take a cloth and sprinkle mustard seed over it. Place the cloth over the top of the jar and secure it tightly.

8. Allow the chow-chow to cool completely before refrigerating. It is recommended to let the flavors infuse and develop for at least a week before enjoying.

That's it! Your homemade chow-chow is now ready to be enjoyed. This relish is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and can even be added to salads for an extra kick of flavor.

Similar recipe dishes to explore include piccalilli and giardiniera. Piccalilli is a tangy British relish that incorporates various vegetables in a mustard-based sauce. Giardiniera is an Italian relish that typically includes pickled vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, and peppers. Both of these relishes offer unique flavors and can be a great addition to your culinary repertoire.

So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time for pickling, and savor the deliciousness of homemade chow-chow and its culinary companions. Enjoy!