Mild Giardiniera Recipe
Giardiniera is a delicious Italian pickled vegetable mix, often used as a condiment for sandwiches, salads, or antipasto. A flavor expolison you can add to any dish!
Ingredients
- 1/2 head Cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 large Carrot peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 2 Celery Stalks sliced thinly
- 1 Red Bell Pepper sliced into strips
- 1 Green Bell Pepper sliced into strips
- 1 Small Onion Thinly sliced
- 1 cup Small Pickling Cucumbers (or sliced regular cucumbers)
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves sliced
- 1/4 cup Salt (for brining)
- 2 1/2 cup Water
- 1 1/2 cups Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tbsp Black Peppercorns
- 1 tsp Celery Seed
- 1 tsp Bay Leaf
- 1-2 mild banana peppers or pepperoncini sliced (for a hint of mild pepper flavor, but not spicy) optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, carrots, celery, bell peppers, onions, cucumbers, and garlic.
- Dissolve the salt in 4 cups of cold water.
- Pour this brine over the vegetables, ensuring they're fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8-12 hours (or overnight).
- Rinse and Drain: After brining, drain and rinse the vegetables thoroughly with cold water to remove excess salt.
- Prepare the Pickling Liquid: In a saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, olive oil, oregano, peppercorns, celery seed, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pickle the Vegetables: In clean, sterilized jars, pack the rinsed vegetables tightly.
- Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables, making sure they are fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
- Seal and Store: Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the giardiniera for at least 24-48 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For the best flavor, wait 1-2 weeks before enjoying.