The holidays will be here soon and these veggies will be just right for entertaining. Pickled vegetables are a great accompaniment to a cheeseboard.
Just about any vegetable — and some fruits — can be pickled. All you need is vinegar, water, sugar, salt and some dry seasonings and herbs.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Even unusual veggie choices — like Brussels sprouts, green beans, fennel, pearl onions and okra — are surprisingly good pickled.
You can enjoy them as an appetizer, a light snack or as a side to an entrée. But if you’re looking for different ways to use them, here are some suggestions:
- In Bloody Marys
- On pizza
- As a bed for grilled fish
- For an omelet side
- On a sandwich
- In a salad
What is your favorite way to serve pickles and relish?
Pickled Mixed Vegetables
I prefer to use firm vegetables for pickling.
- Cauliflower, cut into florets
- Bell Pepper (all colors), cut into chunks
- Carrots, cut into diagonal slices
- Celery, cut into diagonal slices
- Fennel, cut into small chunks
- Green Beans, trimmed but left whole
- Radishes, cut into thick slices
To Make 2 Quarts
Fresh raw vegetables from the list above to fill 2 quart size mason jars (about 6-7 cups). For this batch, I used carrots, cauliflower, fennel, green beans and celery.
- 4 cups vinegar (White Distilled or Apple Cider)
- 1 cup water
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons mustard seed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced thickly
Directions
Prep the vegetables.
Bring the water, vinegar, salt and sugar to a boil in a small pot.
Divide the garlic and whole spices among the jars and then add the vegetables, packing them in. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the jar.
Using a funnel, carefully pour the hot liquid into the jars, making sure to submerge all the vegetables, pressing down on them with the end of a wooden spoon.
You may be able to add a few more veggies at this point, just make sure the liquid completely covers the vegetables by at least a half-inch.
Cover and turn the jars over on the counter covered with a kitchen towel for about 30 minutes to seal the lids. Turn the jars upright and let sit on the counter to cool for an hour or two.
Place the jars in the refrigerator. These will taste good after 6-8 hours, but much better after a couple of days. Keeps for several months.
Cucumber Pickle Relish
Makes 2 cups
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- Pinch crushed red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 6 small cucumbers (about 2 pounds total), peeled, seeded and finely diced
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
Directions
Combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, chili flakes and salt in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the cucumbers and onion and return to a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool. Transfer the relish to jars and refrigerate at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend. Will keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or freeze for future use.
