Best Chow Chow Relish Aka Piccalilli Recipes

UNCLE D'S SWEET PICCALILLI (GREEN TOMATO RELISH)

Steps:

• Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, and basil in a large pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Stir green tomatoes, red bell peppers, red onion, and Granny Smith apples into vinegar mixture; boil vigorously, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened and relish flavors have blended, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack relish into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

PICCALILLI OR GREEN TOMATO RELISH

Steps:

• 1. Prepare all the veggies by washing, coring, deseeding and chopping in the food processor to small chunks but not pureed. Place all veggies in a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt. Mix thoroughly and let stand for 3 to 4 hours.
• 2. Drain veggies, rinse and drain again thoroughly. Combine sugar, vinegar, horseradish and spices in a large saucepot. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add drained veggies and bring to a boil.
• 3. Pack relish into sterilized hot jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust two piece lids.
• 4. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. Remove jars to cloth lined countertop, cover with towel, and leave until all are sealed.

CHOW-CHOW - GREEN TOMATO RELISH OR PICCALILLI

Steps:

• 1. Combine the chopped vegetables in a large nonreactive kettle or bowl. Add the salt and stir to combine thoroughly. Cover and let stand for 4 hours or refrigerate overnight.
• 2. Prepare the canner and jars. Add water to a canner with rack and heat to a boil; reduce heat and keep at a simmer. The water should be high enough to be at least 1 inch above the filled jars. I usually fill it about halfway and I keep a kettle or saucepan of water boiling on another burner to add to the canner as needed. Wash jars thoroughly and heat water in a small saucepan; put the lids in the saucepan and bring almost to the boil; lower heat to very low to keep the lids hot.
• 3. Drain the vegetables and rinse thoroughly.
• 4. In a large nonreactive kettle, bring the vinegar, brown sugar, and seeds and spices to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and continue simmering for 5 minutes. Add the drained vegetables and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes.
• 5. With a slotted spoon, pack the vegetables into prepared jars. Cover vegetables with the pickling liquid, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace.
• 6. With a clean dampened cloth, wipe the rims of the jars. Place the flat lids on the jars then close caps with screw-on rings tightly, but do not over-tighten. Arrange the filled jars in the canner and add more water, as needed, to be at least 1 inch above the jars. Bring to a full boil. Cover and continue boiling for 10 minutes. Remove the relish to a rack to cool completely.
• 7. Check for seals (the middle of the caps should have made a popping sound while cooling and will stay depressed.