Pioneer Woman Chow Chow Recipe

Pioneer Woman Chow Chow is a tangy, crunchy relish made from green tomatoes, onions, peppers, and warming spices. It’s sweet, savory, and a little zippy—perfect for sandwiches, grilled meats, and Southern classics like beans and cornbread. This is your go-to condiment for adding big flavor to simple meals.

Why You’ll Love This Chow Chow Recipe

• Bursts with flavor – A balance of tangy, sweet, and savory with just the right spice.
• Super versatile – A perfect topping or sidekick for grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, and more.
• Homemade goodness – Skip the store-bought stuff and enjoy a garden-fresh relish.
• Preserves your harvest – Great use for green tomatoes and extra veggies.
• Long-lasting – Keeps well in the fridge or freezer for months.

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
• 1¾ cups white sugar
• ½ cup prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

How to Make Chow Chow

1. Prep vegetables: In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and salt. Let sit overnight to draw out moisture.
2. Drain and spice: Drain mixture well. Add vinegar, sugar, horseradish, and chopped chile peppers. Tie cloves, cinnamon, and allspice in cheesecloth or a spice bag and add to the pot.
3. Cook: Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Can it: Spoon hot chow chow into clean, sterilized jars. Seal tightly with lids.

Expert Tips

• Use green tomatoes – They hold texture better and add the signature tang.
• Balance flavor – Adjust sugar or vinegar to your taste.
• Spice it up – Add more chile or horseradish if you like heat.
• Uniform chop – Keeps the texture consistent in every bite.

Recipe Variations

• Add cabbage – For a Carolina-style version.
• Carrots or cauliflower – Add chopped for extra crunch and color.
• Use apple cider vinegar – For a deeper, fruitier tang.
• Swap spices – Try mustard seed or turmeric for variation.

Storage Instructions

• In the Fridge: Store in airtight jars for up to 1 month.
• In the Freezer: Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace. Freeze up to 6 months.

Reheating Note

Do not reheat. Chow chow is a relish meant to be served cold or at room temperature.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How do I prevent chow chow from being too watery?
  Salt and drain the chopped vegetables overnight to draw out excess moisture.
• Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
  Yes, though it will add a slightly different, fruitier note to the final flavor.
• How do I know when it’s done?
  The vegetables should be tender but still a little crisp, and the flavors should be well melded.
• Can I add other vegetables?
  Yes! Carrots, cabbage, or even green beans can be added—just keep the chop size even.

More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Apple Jelly
• Pioneer Woman Pear Preserves
• Pioneer Woman Bacon Jam Recipe

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 36
• Total Fat 0g
• Sodium 282mg
• Total Carbohydrate 9g
• Dietary Fiber 1g
• Total Sugars 6g
• Protein 1g
• Vitamin C 31mg
• Calcium 13mg
• Iron 1mg
• Potassium 184mg