Giardiniera Recipe Recipe
How to make giardiniera, a tangy Italian condiment made with oil and vinegar and garden vegetables! Use a mix of garden veggies, hot peppers, garlic, and spices, and marinate in vinegar and olive oil.
How to Make the Best Giardiniera Recipe
Giardiniera is a classic Italian pickled vegetable condiment that’s become a staple in American Italian cuisine, especially in Chicago where it’s the must-have topping for Italian beef sandwiches. This tangy, crunchy mix of garden vegetables, hot peppers, and aromatic spices is marinated in a blend of vinegar and olive oil, creating a versatile condiment that elevates everything it touches.
Making giardiniera at home is surprisingly simple, though it does require some patience. The vegetables are first salted and left to sit for a day or two, which draws out moisture and creates that signature satisfying crunch. Then they’re combined with a flavorful marinade of white wine vinegar, olive oil, and Italian spices like oregano, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. The result is so much better than store-bought versions.
Use this homemade giardiniera to top sandwiches, pile onto pizza, mix into pasta salads, or serve alongside grilled meats and cheeses. Once you have a jar in your refrigerator, you’ll find yourself adding it to everything. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift during the holiday season or any time you want to share something special from your kitchen.
Giardiniera Recipe
How to make giardiniera, a tangy Italian condiment made with oil and vinegar and garden vegetables! Use a mix of garden veggies, hot peppers, garlic, and spices, and marinate in vinegar and olive oil.
Ingredients
Vegetables
Brine
Marinade
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop veggies into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can cut them into larger chunks or dice them into uniform small pieces to use as a relish.
- Mix veggies with salt and cover with filtered water. Place a small plate inside the bowl to keep the vegetables submerged. Cover and let sit 24-48 hours at room temperature. Salting removes water from the veggies, making the vegetables crisp.
Make the Giardiniera
- Rinse vegetables thoroughly in a colander with cool water. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Add vinegar, water, olive oil, oregano, and all the spices: red pepper flakes, celery seeds, fennel seeds, bay leaves, peppercorns and sugar. Combine the mixture together and transfer to a jar that seals tight. Pack the veggies in so they are tucked under the brine.
- If you need more liquid to cover the veggies add equal parts vinegar and water to top off. Refrigerate for at least 3 days before eating for the best flavor!
Notes
- The longer the giardiniera marinates, the better the flavor. It tastes best after about a week.
- Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your heat preference.
- Makes a great hostess gift when packed in a decorative jar.
