Giardiniera {Pickled Vegetables)

Directions

  1. 1Prep and chop all the produce into bite-sized pieces.
  2. 2Set out 4 pint jars.
  3. 3To each jar add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 garlic clove, 1/2 serrano pepper, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds, 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1/8 teaspoon coriander seeds, and a pinch of black peppercorns.
  4. 4Divide the cauliflower, sliced carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and olives between the four jars, filling them to the top.
  5. 5Set a medium saucepan over high heat and add the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar to make the brine.
  6. 6Bring the brine to a boil, stir well, then carefully pour the boiling brine into each jar.
  7. 7Allow the pickled vegetables to cool at room temperature.
  8. 8Cover with a lid, gently shake, and refrigerate for 36-48 hours before serving.
  9. 9Use as desired.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups small bite-sized cauliflower florets
  • 1.5 cups sliced carrots (rounds)
  • 1.5 cups sliced celery
  • 1.5 cups sliced red bell pepper (1 1/2 inch long pieces)
  • 1 cup pitted green olives, drained
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced in half, divided
  • 2 Serrano chile peppers, sliced in half, divided
  • 4 bay leaves, divided
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds, divided
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, divided
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds, divided
  • 0.5 teaspoon coriander seeds, divided
  • 0.25 teaspoon black peppercorns, divided
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 cups white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Equipment

4 pint jarsmedium saucepan

Tips

  • You can use jalapeños for a milder version or sport peppers for a hot version, or habanero peppers for super spicy.
  • If you don want any heat at all, just use bell peppers.
  • If the pickled vegetables are too salty after 36 hours, pour one-third of the brine off the top and fill with water, then refrigerate.
  • If olive oil solidifies in the fridge, set the jar out for 20 minutes or run under hot water to liquify.