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.

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Ingredients

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 sliced jalapenos
1/2 cup sliced banana peppers
1/2 cup sliced sportpeppers
1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers
1/4 cup castelvetrano olives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup capers
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
2 cups white wine vinegar
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

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.

20 chicago italian giardiniera recipe Prepare to be amazed!

Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich

yield: 10 total time: 140 minutes

3.7 Stars (3 reviews)

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Ingredients

1 boneless beef roast sirloin or round, about 3 pounds with most of the fat trimmed off
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
6 cups hot water
4 cubes beef bouillon yes, bouillon, see the explanation below *
10 rolls soft, fluffy, high gluten, sliced lengthwise but hinged on one side or Italian bread loaves cut widthwise into 10 portions, G…
3 green bell peppers medium sized
1 tablespoon olive oil approximately