Giardiniera, pronounced “jar-din-air-ah”, is one condiment you don’t want to be without. And once you’ve tried it you’ll understand why.
Originating in Italy, these pickled vegetables were introduced to Chicago in the late 19th century by Italian immigrants and took their place as arguably the city’s most popular condiment. It’s used on practically everything! You name it, giardiniera is just what you need to bring your hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, nachos, antipasto platters and pasta salads to life. In Chicago you’ll even commonly find it served on pizzas and, of course, no Italian beef sandwich is complete without it.
Have you been to New Orleans? Giardiniera is the magical ingredient in those mouthwatering muffuletta sandwiches.
In short, giardiniera is the ultimate pickled vegetable relish!
The popularity of giardiniera has continued to explode in Chicago with more than a million pounds of it being sold annually. Still it remains relatively unknown outside of the Windy City except among those with strong Italian roots.
So if you’ve never heard of or tried it before, now is your chance to make some absolutely delectable homemade giardiniera that will bring new life and flavor to your favorite foods!
I’m also including recipes for canning giardiniera so you can store it long-term to enjoy all year round.
You can chop the veggies however large or small you prefer. In Italy the vegetables are usually left in fairly large pieces and that way it’s also more versatile. Left in larger pieces you have the flexibility of serving the giardiniera with your charctuerie/antipasto platters and when you want to use it for sandwiches, hot dogs, pasta salads, etc, you can simply diced up the finished giardiniera into smaller chunks.
But left large or diced small, you are simply going to LOVE this giardiniera!
Let’s get started!
Chop up the veggies and place them in a large non-reactive pot or bowl.
If you’re wondering how to get the crinkle-cut carrots, use a mandolin slicer that has that ability.
Pour 1/4 cup kosher salt over the vegetables.
Pour enough water over the vegetables to cover them.
Let them soak in the salt water for at least 6 hours or overnight. This step is critical for drawing out excess water from the vegetables which would otherwise dilute the vinegar brine and lead to spoilage.
To prepare the jars, place the spices into each of the jars.
I like to make some batches hot and some mild. Do that by using or omitting red chili flakes. For a true Chicago-style giardiniera you’ll want to make it hot!
Thoroughly rinse and drain the vegetables before dividing them up between the jars. Pack the vegetables in as tightly as you can.
Place the garlic each jar.
Now we’re making a vinegar solution to pickle the vegetables.
To play it safe the USDA recommends a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water. Some other recipes may have a lighter vinegar brine but if you’re planning on storing your giardiniera for more than 2 weeks, we recommend this ratio to create enough acidity to prevent the risk of unwanted bacteria.
Bring the water, vinegar and salt to a boil.
Pour the boiling brine over the vegetables leaving a little more than 1/2 inch headspace from the top.
Pour the olive oil over the top.
Wipe the rims with a wet paper towel and seal the jars.
If you plan on using the giardiniera within two weeks let the jars sit at room temperature for a day or two and then transfer them to the fridge.
If you’re canning the giardiniera for long-term storage, seal the jars with the lids and rims and prepare a boiling water bath. Boil the jars for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and let them sit undisturbed for 24 hours before moving them.
If processed in the water bath, the giardiniera is best consumed within 6 months but will keep for at least a year.
Enjoy!
The ULTIMATE pickled vegetable relish, its flavor and versatility will astound you!
- 1/2 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 10 stalks celery, diced
- 5 carrots, diced
- 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup sliced green pitted olives
- 4 serrano peppers (or more according to heat preference)
- Spices for EACH pint jar:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for hot giardiniera)
- 1/8 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 clove garlic, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- For the Brine:
- 4 cups white wine vinegar
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
Place the chopped veggies a large non-reactive pot or bowl. Pour 1/4 cup kosher salt over the vegetables and enough water to cover them. Let the vegetables soak in the salt water for at least 6 hours or overnight.
To prepare the jars, place the spices into each of the jars, reserving the garlic and olive oil until after the brine is added. (I like to make some jars hot and some mild by adding/omitting the red chili flakes).
Thoroughly rinse and drain the vegetables before dividing them up between the jars. Pack the vegetables in as tightly as you can. Place the garlic each jar.
To make the brine: Bring the water, vinegar and salt to a boil. Pour the boiling brine over the vegetables leaving a little more than 1/2 inch headspace from the top. Pour the olive oil over the top. Wipe the rims with a wet paper towel and seal the jars.
If you plan on using the giardiniera within two weeks let the jars sit at room temperature for a day or two and then transfer them to the fridge. The flavor only gets better with time so wait at least 2-3 days before eating it. Will keep refrigerated for 2 weeks.
If you're canning the giardiniera for long-term storage, seal the jars with the lids and rims and prepare a boiling water bath. Boil the jars for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and let them sit undisturbed for 24 hours before moving them.
If processed in the water bath, the giardiniera is best consumed within 6 months but will keep for at least a year.
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Dee says
Love this. Seriously, I could eat it by the jar!
The Food Hunter says
thank you for sharing this…it is something I would love to try
Jessica Formicola says
I want to put some of this on everything! I bet it puts store bought to shame!
Alyssa | EverydayMaven says
Love pickled veggies! These would make great hostess gifts!
Delaney | Melanie Makes says
This would be perfect for potlucks and family reunions!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
This stuff is addicting and sooooo good! I love that there is mild and hot!
Nutmeg Nanny says
I pick hot and mild! Love this!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Thank you for sharing this recipe! I cannot wait to make my own homemade giardiniera!
Krista says
I love that you did hot and mild! Somedays I want hot I am set but I would love the mild!
Michelle Goth says
I had no idea that was the actual name of them. I loooove pickled veggies!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
I am ALL about giardiniera on my charcuterie boards! I have never tried making my own before though. :)
Cathy @ Lemon Tree Dwelling says
We love this on paninis!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
Yours looks great. I just made some a couple of weeks ago. Love the stuff.
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
I LOVE giardiniera but have never made my own. I need to try it!
Christa says
I love this recipe and will make it soon. Just one question. Is it one tablespoon of olive oil per jar or divide one between all jars? Thanks for sharing.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Christa, yes, that’s one tablespoon per jar.
Linda says
Can I substitute pickling spice and if so how much per jar?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Linda, I do not recommend pickling spice. While pickling spice has some of the same spices in it, it also contains different ones and does not include some of the other key spices used for making giardiniera.
Cyndi says
I’m making this as I type but my question is on the quantity of the spices. Are the measurements PER jar? I’m canning these. Also are you using pint jars? Thanks!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Cyndi, yes, per each pint jar.
Anonymous says
Great! Thank you!!
Loretta Clyburn says
A friend of mine and myself are going to can this looks delicious. I will add this recipe to my list of canning per year as I enjoy canning and am going to start to add more variety to my selection. My question is if I should add the oil last along with the garlic or should I add it to the vegetables before I serve them as I will be cold packing them.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks, Loretta! I would still add it along with the garlic. Happy canning!
Susan Parker says
I was told using oil is unsafe in canning?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Susan, using a small amount of oil as in this recipe is fine. The only reason it would be unsafe is if it keeps the lid from sealing properly, so you just want to make sure to wipe the jar rims so that no oil residue is on them. As always, check the lids after canning to make sure they’re properly sealed.
Natalie says
Hi, Kimberley. Thanks so much for this recipe! I’m eager to try it out, but had a quick question: I’ve had giardiniera that had a bit of a sweet edge. Would adding a touch of sugar be safe, or would it throw off the recipe. Also, if you were to add some, how much would? Thanks again for all your wonderful recipes!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Natalie, adding sugar would be perfectly safe. How much will simply come down to personal preference but I would start with less (maybe make half the batch) and then taste it (like start with no more than 1/4 cup). Try it and then determine whether you want to add more for the next batch.
Kim says
I’ve seen other recipes that called for a 6 cups of vinegar and 3.5 cups of sugar. Seems like a lot, but…. when using white vinegar, I’m guessing it’s probably the correct ratio. My dad used to can (or glass jar, technically I suppose) Hungarian peppers he raised in the garden. (Green, yellow and orange ones)I remember eating them better than I recall most anything from childhood. I loved those. I just wish I recalled what the recipe was. I DO recall it was simple… and I recently purchased some Delallo’s Mild Giardiniera and the TASTE of the liquid is EXACTLY the flavor of the liquid dad used for the peppers… so I’ve been looking at all the recipes for mild Giardiniera I could find, so far, only found one adding sugar, but this is only my 3rd look … so…. not certain until I try it in my own Giardiniera and shortly after (I hope) my own peppers!
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Mary Brandt says
I am eager to try your recipe but wanted to ask if I could use less celery and add some onion to the recipe. I am a big onion fan.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Absolutely, Mary! Enjoy!
Lori says
Hi,
Could I make this with apple cider vinegar? I am not a big fan of the white vinegar.
Thanks.
Lori
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Lori, yes you can, just make sure it’s 5% if you’re canning it for long-term storage.
Lori says
Thanks so much!!! We just made some and it looks amazing! Both my husband and I are big fans and can’t wait to start a jar! Thanks so much!!!
Cindy says
When making this, do the vegetables need to be covered in the refridgerator or uncoverd on the counter while they are in the salt bath?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Cindy, you can just leave them on the counter. They don’t need to be covered but you can cover them to keep any unwanted critters out.
Willliam P Maraeglia says
Hi , I made a few tall mason jars -1″ white vinegar blanching each veg separately . In jar added apple cider vinegar, olive oil and some Italian seasoning (also Black Fungus Mushroom, if you can believe that). Two tall jars have been in the refrigerator for about a month. Are the still good ???? No canning done at ll, just fridge.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi William, the addition of the mushrooms sounds good. Yes, after a month it should be fine. Just keep the veggies submerged under the liquid. Give it a sniff to see if anything funny is going on and as long as there’s no mold on top, I wouldn’t hesitate to eat it.
Jane says
You cannot safely can anything with oil in using home equipment! Make it sans oil and then add oil to a jar as you open it for storage in the fridge.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Jane, it’s a common misconception that canning things with oil is dangerous. Keep in mind that with pressure canning – which involves home equipment – you’re safely able to can the fattiest meats around. When it comes to using the water bath method as in this recipe, a little oil is fine. The main thing is to make sure that there is no oil residue on the rims of the jars because that will prevent the jars from sealing properly. The rims need to be thoroughly wiped down before screwing on the lids. You also want to make sure to leave enough headspace so the oil can’t bubble up and seep out of the lids during the water bath. As long as those steps are followed you have nothing to worry about.
Annie says
I made homemade giardinera last year and was disappointed to see the cauliflower had turned pink when we opened up the jars. Any suggestions to stop the color from bleeding during canning?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Annie, the only way to prevent that is to omit the red bell peppers (which would result in a significant flavor loss).
Beth says
As much as I hate to omit them, I have to leave out all the peppers (except black) because of a nightshade allergy. Any suggestions for substitutions? Do you think zucchini would get soggy? Broccoli might be weird.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Beth, I think either zucchini or broccoli would do fine. Pickled zucchini is pretty popular and I’ve heard of people pickling broccoli as well. So you should be good to go on either!