Are you ready to add a burst of vibrant flavor to your meals? Look no further than Giardiniera, a delightful Italian pickled vegetable mix! This recipe is perfect for adding a zesty kick to sandwiches, pizzas, antipasto platters, or simply enjoying as a delicious side dish. It's easier than you think to make this homemade goodness, transforming simple vegetables into a culinary masterpiece. This quick dinner idea is also a great way to preserve seasonal vegetables, giving you a taste of summer all year round. Let's dive into this exciting food recipe!
Ingredients for Homemade Giardiniera
This recipe yields approximately 4-5 cups of Giardiniera. Adjust quantities according to your needs.
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Vegetables:
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 medium green bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 medium yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup small pearl onions, peeled (optional)
- 1/2 cup celery sticks, thinly sliced
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Pickling Liquid:
- 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry all vegetables. Thinly slice the carrots, bell peppers, red onion, and celery. Cut the green beans and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. If using pearl onions, peel them.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large, non-reactive pot (stainless steel or glass), combine the sliced vegetables.
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Make the Pickling Liquid: In a separate saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables in the large pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften but still retain some crispness.
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Jarring the Giardiniera: Carefully pack the hot vegetable mixture into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the jar rims clean, place lids and rings on the jars, and tighten.
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Processing (Optional): For longer shelf life, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. If you skip this step, store the Giardiniera in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks.
Delicious Serving Suggestions and Tips for the Best Results
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This Giardiniera recipe is incredibly versatile! Add it to your favorite sandwiches, pizzas, pasta dishes, or salads. It's also delicious as a side dish with grilled meats or cheeses.
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For a spicier giardiniera, add more red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh chili peppers to the mix.
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Feel free to experiment with other vegetables! Some great additions include cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini.
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To ensure your Giardiniera remains crisp, avoid overcooking the vegetables. Aim for a slight softening, not mushiness.
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Always use sterilized jars to prevent spoilage. You can sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
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If you don't have kosher salt, you can substitute table salt, but use slightly less (about ¾ teaspoon).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 50-70 calories per serving (depending on vegetables and added sugar).
- Fat: Very Low
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Fiber: Moderate
- Protein: Low
This homemade giardiniera recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious snack or condiment. The bright, zesty flavors are sure to brighten any meal, and the easy-to-follow instructions make it a perfect recipe for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking!