Bursting with vibrant colors and tangy flavor, Giardiniera Angelina is a classic Italian pickled vegetable medley that's as versatile as it is delicious. This recipe combines crisp cauliflower florets, crunchy carrots, celery, sweet peppers, briny green olives, and garlic with a perfectly balanced brine infused with white vinegar, oregano, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. The vegetables are salt-cured to enhance their crunch before being preserved in jars of aromatic brine, creating a zesty, homemade pantry staple. Perfect as a sandwich topping, antipasto accompaniment, or a snack on its own, this make-ahead dish benefits from a marination process that allows the flavors to intensify the longer it sits. Whether you're elevating your Italian sub or crafting a gourmet appetizer spread, Giardiniera Angelina is sure to become a flavorful go-to in your kitchen.
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the cauliflower, carrots, celery, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, then place them into a large bowl with the sliced olives and garlic.
Create a salt soak: Sprinkle the kosher salt over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap, then let it sit for 6-8 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator to draw out moisture.
Rinse and drain: After soaking, rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare the brine: In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Pack the jars: Distribute the rinsed vegetables evenly into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, fully submerging them, but leave a small amount of headspace in each jar.
Seal the jars: Place lids on the jars and tighten until just finger-tight. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator.
Refrigerate and marinate: Let the Giardiniera marinate in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. The flavor will intensify the longer it marinates.
Serve: Before serving, drizzle the Giardiniera with olive oil for extra flavor. Enjoy it as a topping for sandwiches, as part of an antipasti platter, or as a standalone snack!
Serving size | 2219.7 grams (2219.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1109 |
Total Fat 71.80g | 92% |
Saturated Fat 10.20g | 51% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 5824mg | 253% |
Total Carbohydrate 91.30g | 33% |
Dietary Fiber 23.80g | 85% |
Total Sugars 51.90g | |
Protein 11.60g | 23% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 406mg | 31% |
Iron 7mg | 37% |
Potassium 2800mg | 60% |
Source of Calories