By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 30, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow is an iconic Southern condiment that has been enjoyed for generations.
The beloved dish, shared by Ree Drummond of the Pioneer Woman, features a unique blend of vegetables and spices that are cooked together to create a flavorful and delicious dish.
This easy step-by-step guide will walk you through how to make the perfect chow-chow. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can recreate this classic condiment in no time at all.
What is Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow?
Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow is a traditional Southern condiment made from a combination of vegetables and spices. It is often served alongside other dishes to give them an extra layer of flavor.
The dish was popularized by Ree Drummond, the star of the Food Network show, The Pioneer Woman. Ree’s version of the dish is made from onions, cabbage, green tomatoes, bell peppers, salt, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric.
The vegetables are mixed with white vinegar and water to create a unique flavor you won’t find in any other chow-chow. The number of ingredients and the ease of preparation make Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow a great dish for beginner cooks.
What does it taste like?
Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow has a unique flavor that can’t be found in any other condiment. The dish combines sweet and tart flavors from the sugar and green tomatoes, with a subtle spiciness from the mustard seed and celery seed.
Overall, Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow is a flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy any palate. The vegetables are cooked together to create a savory mix that is the perfect accompaniment for many dishes.
How did I first get introduced to the Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow?
I was first introduced to the Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow when I happened upon an episode of The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network. As my eyes were glued to the television, Ree Drummond showcased her iconic Southern condiment on the show and I knew right then and there that I had to try it out.
I immediately took note of all the ingredients she used and how she made it. I was surprised at just how few ingredients were needed, and the fact that it looked so simple to make.
The following day, I gathered up all of the ingredients and got to work. I followed Ree’s instructions step-by-step and couldn’t believe the results; it was even better than I had expected.
The chow-chow was perfectly balanced with a unique depth of flavor that I’d never experienced before. Every single bite was bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of the vegetables, as well as the subtle spiciness from the mustard seed and celery seed. It truly was an unforgettable experience!
Since then, I’ve been making this chow-chow on a regular basis and have found many different ways to enjoy it. From spooning it onto burgers or topping off salads, Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow is always a hit!
I’m so thankful for discovering this unique condiment, and even more thankful that Ree Drummond shared her recipe with us. Now, I proudly serve it to friends and family whenever they come over for dinner, and everyone always raves about how delicious it is!
If you’ve never tried Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow before, I highly recommend giving it a go – you won’t regret it! The combination of vegetables and spices creates a flavor you won’t soon forget. Plus, the dish is incredibly easy to make and requires very few ingredients.
How to make Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow?
Making Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow is actually quite easy, and takes very little time. All you need is a few simple ingredients and follow these steps below:
You can also read the following appetizer recipes:
Ingredients
- Onions: This ingredient forms the base of the chow-chow recipe and is essential in providing a sweet flavor.
- Cabbage: This ingredient brings crunch and texture to the dish and helps give it its unique taste.
- Green tomatoes: Green tomatoes bring tartness to the recipe, adding an interesting contrast to other sweeter ingredients.
- Green Bell Peppers: Green bell pepper provides an interesting flavor and freshness.
- Sweet Red Bell Peppers: Sweet red bell peppers are essential for adding sweetness to the dish.
- Coarse Salt: This ingredient helps bring out all the flavors in the recipe, while also helping to preserve it longer.
- Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to balance out the tartness of green tomatoes.
- Mustard Seed: Mustard seed adds spiciness and depth of flavor to this.
- Celery Seed: This ingredient adds a subtle, herbal taste to the chow-chow.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is used for both its color and its flavor, giving the chow-chow a beautiful, golden hue.
- White Vinegar: White vinegar helps to preserve the flavor of the dish and adds tanginess and tartness.
- Water: Water is used to thin out the consistency of the chow-chow and prevent it from becoming too thick or pasty.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the vegetables. Peel and finely chop the onions, shred the cabbage, and dice the green tomatoes and bell peppers. Place all of these ingredients into a large bowl and mix to combine.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, heat the salt, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the spices are fragrant about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Add the white vinegar and water, stirring until combined. Slowly pour this mixture over the vegetables in the bowl, making sure to coat them completely.
Step 4
Stir the chow-chow together so that all of the ingredients are evenly mixed. Transfer to a large container with a lid and let cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours.
Step 5
Enjoy your flavorful Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow!
Tips
- Make sure to use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
- Chop all of the vegetables into small, uniform pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Be sure to let the chow-chow cool completely before tasting or refrigerating.
- If you want a spicier version of the chow-chow, feel free to add more mustard seed or other spices.
- Try adding a few tablespoons of diced jalapeno peppers for a kick of heat.
Pioneer Woman Chow Chow Recipe
Equipment
- peeler
Ingredients
- 6 green bell peppers
- 4 tbsp coarse salt
- 2 cups green tomatoes
- 3 sweet red bell peppers
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 3 tsp yellow mustard seeds
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 2 cups head of cabbage
- 1 cups water
- 2 tsp celery seed
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
Instructions
- Start by preparing the vegetables. Peel and finely chop the onions, shred the cabbage, and dice the green tomatoes and bell peppers. Place all of these ingredients into a large bowl and mix to combine.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the salt, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the spices are fragrant about 5 minutes.
- Add the white vinegar and water, stirring until combined. Slowly pour this mixture over the vegetables in the bowl, making sure to coat them completely.
- Stir the chow-chow together so that all of the ingredients are evenly mixed. Transfer to a large container with a lid and let cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours.
- Enjoy your flavorful Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow!
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
- Chop all of the vegetables into small, uniform pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Be sure to let the chow-chow cool completely before tasting or refrigerating.
- If you want a spicier version of the chow-chow, feel free to add more mustard seed or other spices.
- Try adding a few tablespoons of diced jalapeno peppers for a kick of heat.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 121 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 1.5 g
Fat: 0.2 g
Sodium: 745 mg
Fiber: 3.7 g
Sugar: 26 g
What to serve with Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow?
Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow is the perfect accompaniment to many dishes. It can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, or used to top salads for a flavorful pop of flavor.
It also makes an excellent condiment for sandwiches and burgers. The sweet and tart flavors are sure to complement any protein you choose, from beef to pork or turkey.
And don’t forget the pickles! Pairing homemade chow-chow with some fresh dill pickles and you’ve got a delicious, crunchy, and flavorful combo that everyone will love.
Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow is also great as an appetizer or snack. Try serving it with crackers or toasted bread, and you have yourself a tasty treat that’s sure to please. Or, if you want to get creative, why not try using it as an ingredient in other dishes?
It makes a great topping for tacos, adds some zing to burritos or quesadillas, and can even be used to make a flavorful dip! The possibilities are endless with this versatile condiment.
How to store leftover Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow?
Leftover Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy it again and again!
To reheat, simply place the chow-chow into a saucepan over medium heat and stir until warmed through. Making large batches of chow-chow is a great way to always have some on hand for when the craving strikes.
If desired, it can also be frozen and stored in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy eating Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow. The vegetables and spices are all generally safe for pregnant women to consume in moderation. However, it is always best to check with your doctor before consuming any new food during pregnancy.
As with any recipe, make sure you’re using the freshest ingredients available for the best flavor and nutrition. Fresh vegetables are always best, and make sure to use low-sodium ingredients whenever possible.
FAQs
Is it healthy?
Yes, Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow is a healthy option. It is low in calories and fat but high in fiber and vitamins from vegetables. Plus, the spices provide additional health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, you can adjust the ingredients according to your personal preference. For example, if you don’t like green tomatoes or bell peppers, feel free to substitute them with other vegetables of your choice. The same goes for spices—adjust them to your liking!
Can I make this vegan-friendly?
Yes, you can easily make this vegan-friendly by omitting the sugar and using a plant-based alternative for white vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar.
Wrapping Up
Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow is a delicious condiment that can be enjoyed with many dishes. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s great for using up any extra vegetables you have in your fridge! Give this delicious recipe a try today and enjoy a tasty side dish or a fun snack.
If you’re looking for a way to jazz up your favorite dishes, Pioneer Woman Chow-Chow is definitely worth a try. And with its countless variations and substitutions, you can create a unique flavor that everyone will enjoy!
So next time you’re in the kitchen, try out this simple and delicious recipe. With just a few ingredients, you can make a tasty dish that will be enjoyed by all.
Thanks for reading, please share this article with your friends and family, so they can enjoy making their own delicious homemade chow-chow too!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
