Giardiniera

Tangy & delicious Giardiniera is a vinegar-based condiment that includes pickled vegetables such as cauliflower, bell pepper, carrots, celery, and serrano peppers, along with spices. Super easy to make & so much tastier than store-bought. 

I’ve always enjoyed Giardiniera, but I don’t buy it very often because it’s so expensive. I recently ran across an easy recipe for Giardiniera (spicy pickled vegetables) on A Spicy Perspective, and I realized I usually always have the ingredients on hand, so, of course, I had to make some! These tasty pickled veggies are so easy to throw together and taste awesome after just a few hours, but taste even better after 2-3 days.  This zesty condiment has tons of flavor and livens up sandwiches, pasta, salads, and antipasto.

Giardiniera (Pickled Vegetables)

Veggies & Seasonings:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 9 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 3 serrano peppers, halved lengthwise
• 3 bay leaves
• 1½ tsp dried oregano, divided
• ¾ tsp celery seeds, divided
• ¾ tsp fennel seeds, divided
• ¾ tsp yellow mustard seeds
• 2 cups cauliflower florets **Small florets
• ¾ cup carrots, peeled & sliced
• ¾ cup celery, sliced
• ¾ cup red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup green olives, halved

Brine:

• 1½ cups water
• 1½ cups white vinegar
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp sugar

How to Make Giardiniera (Pickled Vegetables):

Clean and dry 3 (1-pint) glass jars and lids. To each jar add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 3 smashed garlic cloves, 2 serrano halves, 1 bay leaf, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon of celery seeds, ¼ teaspoon of fennel seeds, and ¼ teaspoon of yellow mustard seeds.

Divide the cauliflower, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and olives between the 3 jars, filling them to the very top.

Heat the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until boiling; stir very well. Carefully pour the brine evenly into each jar, filling them to the top.

Allow the picked vegetables to cool at room temperature. Seal tightly with a lid and refrigerate for 36-48 hours before serving.

You can keep the Giardiniera in the refrigerator for up to four months. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Click here to see ALL of our Pickled Veggie Recipes