chicago style hot giardiniera recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
chicago style hot giardiniera recipe
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The Best chicago style hot giardiniera recipe

I have been making Chicago style hot giardiniera for years now and it is one of those recipes that just works for everything. My kids love piling it on their Italian beef sandwiches and I toss it into pasta salads or even on top of pizza for an extra kick. It is so simple to put together with fresh vegetables and a good vinegar brine plus the health benefits of all those crunchy veggies like celery and carrots are a bonus. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen because it adds flavor to any meal without a lot of fuss.

Chicago Style Hot Giardiniera

Chicago Style Hot Giardiniera

4.5 from 1647 votes

A tangy and spicy pickled vegetable mix that is a classic condiment for Italian beef sandwiches and more. This homemade version uses fresh cauliflower, carrots, celery, and jalapenos for a crunchy, flavorful kick.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins plus 24 hours resting time
Servings: 4 cupsCuisine: InternationalCalories: 50 kcal per serving

🥘Ingredients

For the Vegetables

1 cup cauliflower florets, chopped small
1 cup carrots, sliced into rounds
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup jalapeno peppers, sliced (seeds in for heat)
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Brine

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

For the Oil

1/2 cup olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine all the chopped vegetables and minced garlic in a large bowl.
2In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, kosher salt, sugar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black peppercorns. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar.
3Pour the hot brine over the vegetables in the bowl. Stir well to combine.
4Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
5Once cool, stir in the olive oil.
6Transfer the giardiniera to clean mason jars or an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Medium saucepan
Mason jars or airtight container

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 50 kcal🧈Total Fat: 3.5g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 4g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapenos. This giardiniera keeps well in the fridge for up to a month.

Watch Video Of How Chicago Style Hot Giardiniera Works

This Chicago style hot giardiniera is always a good idea for any occasion. It adds a bright, spicy crunch to sandwiches, salads, and antipasto platters. My family loves having it on hand for quick flavor boosts and it is a hit at every gathering.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Style Hot Giardiniera

1. How long does homemade giardiniera last?

It keeps in the refrigerator for up to a month. The flavors get better after a few days.

2. Can I use other vegetables?

Yes, you can add things like broccoli, cauliflower, or even green beans. Just keep the total volume about the same.

3. Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a medium heat from the jalapenos and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice by using fewer jalapenos or removing the seeds.

4. Do I have to use olive oil?

Olive oil is traditional but you can use any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if you prefer.

5. Can I can this for long term storage?

This recipe is not designed for water bath canning. It is a refrigerator pickle. For shelf stability, you would need to follow a tested canning recipe.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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