Ingredients
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 medium carrots, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pitted green olives
- ½ cup pitted black olives (optional)
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Tangy Marinade
- 1 cup white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar with 5% acidity
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Cut the cauliflower into small florets, slice the carrots and celery, and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Keep the pieces relatively uniform so they fit neatly into the jars. Uniform pieces also absorb the marinade more consistently and cook evenly during blanching.
In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, garlic, oregano, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve.
Add the cauliflower and carrots to the simmering liquid for about 2 minutes. Add the celery and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables promptly so they retain some crunch. Overcooked vegetables turn soft, so watch the time closely.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the bell peppers and onion, allowing the warm marinade to coat the vegetables. Add the olives once the mixture has cooled slightly.
Pack the vegetables into clean glass jars. Pour in enough marinade to coat and surround the vegetables. Let the mixture cool, then add the olive oil and distribute it evenly.
Important: This is a refrigerator pickle, not a shelf-stable canned product. Do not store it in the pantry.
Seal the jars and refrigerate immediately once cooled. Let the giardiniera marinate for at least 24 hours. 48 hours gives the flavors more time to develop.
Use a clean fork to remove the vegetables from the jar. Serve chilled or allow a portion to sit briefly at room temperature for a less-cold serving temperature. Stir or shake the jar gently before serving.