Giardiniera Recipe: A Colorful Medley of Pickled Veggies ๐ฅ๐ถ๏ธ
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 gallons
Description:
Giardiniera, an Italian-style pickled vegetable mix, is crafted with love in this recipe to cater to the dietary needs of a loved one who can’t consume vitamin K due to medication restrictions. This veggie-packed concoction is not only a flavorful relish but also a vibrant addition to any dish.

Ingredients:
- 2-3 Japanese eggplants
- 3-4 zucchinis
- 1/2 lb boiling onions
- 1 1/2 cloves garlic
- 1 white mushroom
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 yellow bell peppers
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1 daikon radish
- 1 radish
- 1/2 lb green beans
- 1 banana peppers
- 4-6 asparagus spears
- 1-4 cauliflower florets
- 8-10 celery stalks
- 8-10 grape tomatoes
- 2 cherry tomatoes
- 2 frozen artichoke hearts
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1 tbsp fresh chives
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 4 cups distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 cup whole mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp celery seed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup pickling salt
- 3 tbsp table salt
- 2-4 slices fresh ginger
- 3 peppercorns
Instructions:
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Preparation: Rinse and dry all vegetables. Cut them into bite-size pieces, ensuring uniformity for even pickling.
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Blanching: Blanch the vegetables in boiling water for a short duration to set their colors and remove surface critters. Alternatively, steam the veggies to preserve natural flavors.
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Brine Preparation: In a medium saucepan, combine distilled vinegar with all other ingredients over medium heat. Stir until well combined. Simmer for 30 minutes to infuse flavors. Adjust seasonings as desired.
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Straining: Allow the brine to cool for 20-30 minutes. Strain through a coarse sieve to remove fine particles, retaining most seeds and peppercorns.
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Jar Sterilization: Sterilize canning jars by running them through the dishwasher on the hottest cycle. Dry them in a 225ยฐF oven to kill any remaining bacteria.
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Assembly: Pack the sterilized jars tightly with the prepared vegetables, interspersing them with herbs for added flavor.
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Brining: Divide the strained brine equally between the jars, ensuring the veggies are fully submerged. Top up with distilled white vinegar to cover.
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Removing Air Bubbles: Use a chopstick or skewer to remove air bubbles from the jars. Tap them on the counter to help release any trapped air.
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Sealing: Wipe the jar rims clean, seal tightly, and allow them to sit at room temperature for 12 hours. Then, gently shake or roll the jars before refrigerating.
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Aging: Age the giardiniera in the refrigerator for 1-4 weeks to allow the flavors to meld and mellow. Enjoy this vibrant concoction with various dishes or as a standalone delight.
Tips:
- Customize the vegetables according to preference, but avoid green varieties for prolonged storage.
- For a milder taste, use a combination of distilled white vinegar and rice vinegar.
- Regularly shake or roll the jars during the aging process to distribute flavors evenly.
- Giardiniera can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months, though colors may fade over time.
Crafted with care and tailored to meet specific dietary needs, this Giardiniera recipe promises a burst of flavors and a colorful addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed as a relish or a standalone snack, each bite is a celebration of wholesome goodness.