20 Chicago Italian Giardiniera Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and of course, Italian beef sandwiches. But one often overlooked yet essential component of any Chicago-style sandwich is giardiniera. This spicy and tangy pickled vegetable mix adds a burst of flavor and crunch to any dish, making it a staple in Chicago cuisine. While there are many variations of this condiment, here is a classic recipe for Chicago-style Italian giardiniera that will have your taste buds dancing.
1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 large green bell pepper, sliced
1 large carrot, sliced
1/2 cup slicedjalapenos
1/2 cup slicedbananapeppers
1/2 cup slicedsportpeppers
1/4 cup pepperoncinipeppers
1/4 cup castelvetranoolives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup greenolives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup capers
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons driedoregano
2 tablespoons driedbasil
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons redpepperflakes
2 cups whitewinevinegar
1 cup extra-virginoliveoil
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by preparing all of your vegetables. Chop the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, slice the bell peppers and carrots, and drain and rinse all of the sliced peppers and olives. This is also a good time to put on gloves if you have sensitive skin, as you will be handling a lot of spicy peppers.
Step 2: Mix the Vegetables
In a large bowl, mix together all of the vegetables. This includes the cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, jalapenos, banana peppers, sport peppers, pepperoncini peppers, olives, and capers. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for the best flavor in your giardiniera.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Sprinkle the salt, oregano, basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes over the vegetable mixture. Mix everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add the Vinegar and Oil
Pour the white wine vinegar and olive oil over the vegetables. Mix everything together until all of the vegetables are coated in the liquid.
Step 5: Let it Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the giardiniera marinate in the fridge for at least 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create the perfect Chicago-style giardiniera.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After the giardiniera has marinated, it is ready to be served. Use it as a topping for your favorite Chicago-style dish, such as Italian beef sandwiches or hot dogs. It also makes a great addition to antipasto platters, salads, or even just as a snack on its own. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
This classic Chicago-style Italian giardiniera recipe is a staple in any Chicago kitchen. It adds a unique and delicious flavor to any dish, making it a must-try for any food lover. So next time you're craving a taste of the Windy City, whip up a batch of this giardiniera and transport your taste buds to Chicago.
