Best 4 Italian Giardiniera Chicago Style Recipes

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**Introducing Chicago-Style Italian Giardiniera, a Delightful Pickle Medley:**

Originating from the vibrant streets of Chicago, Italian giardiniera is a captivating and flavorful pickled vegetable medley that has become a beloved condiment, side dish, and topping in various culinary creations. This zesty relish is characterized by its vibrant colors, tangy-sweet-savory taste, and a delightful crunch that adds a lively dimension to any dish. With variations existing across different households and regions, giardiniera typically includes a harmonious blend of vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, celery, bell peppers, and spicy peppers, carefully preserved in a seasoned vinegar solution. Its versatility shines as it complements hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and salads, while also elevating charcuterie boards, cheese plates, and antipasto platters. If you're seeking a homemade version of this Chicago classic, dive into the collection of recipes featured in this article. From traditional methods using time-honored techniques to contemporary takes with a twist, these recipes cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. Whether you prefer a milder or spicier version, a quick pickle or a long-term preservation, you're sure to find a recipe that suits your taste and culinary adventure.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HOT ITALIAN GIARDINIERA



Hot Italian Giardiniera image

This is Italian giardiniera. It is wonderful on Chicago style Italian beef sandwiches, sausage sandwiches, French dips, pastas or even as a pizza topping. You can even snack on it as is if you choose. Once you taste it you will figure out what you prefer to use it on.

Provided by PHONETEK

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Relish Recipes

Time P2DT2h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 green bell peppers, diced
2 red bell peppers, diced
8 fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 small onion, chopped
½ cup fresh cauliflower florets
½ cup salt
water to cover
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 (5 ounce) jar pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Place into a bowl the green and red peppers, jalapenos, celery, carrots, onion, and cauliflower. Stir in salt, and fill with enough cold water to cover. Place plastic wrap or aluminum foil over the bowl, and refrigerate overnight.
  • The next day, drain salty water, and rinse vegetables. In a bowl, mix together garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and olives. Pour in vinegar and olive oil, and mix well. Combine with vegetable mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 2 days before using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.7 calories, Carbohydrate 5.9 g, Fat 23.5 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 305.9 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

HOMEMADE HOT GIARDINIERA



Homemade Hot Giardiniera image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 16h20m

Yield 3 to 4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup table salt
1 cup small-diced carrots
1 cup tiny cauliflower florets
4 to 8 serrano peppers, sliced (depending on heat level desired)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 stalk celery, diced small
1 red bell pepper, diced small
2 cups canola oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine 2 cups water and the salt in a glass or non-reactive bowl. Mix until the salt is dissolved. Add the carrots, cauliflower, serranos, garlic, celery and bell pepper to the salt water and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • Day 2, drain and rinse the vegetables. In a clean bowl, mix together the oil with the oregano and pepper. Add the vegetables and mix to combine. Allow to marinate overnight. Giardiniera will only get better with time. After 2 days at the most in the bowl, you can place in air-tight mason jars and keep in the fridge for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

CHICAGO-STYLE HOT GIARDINIERA



Chicago-Style Hot Giardiniera image

I've been living in Chicago for the last 12 years and have grown to love the spicy giardiniera served at restaurants. So I developed my own to use at home. We love it on everything from eggs to sandwiches and even pizza! -Andrea Quiroz, Chicago, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 8 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 small head cauliflower, broken into small florets (about 5 cups)
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
4 jalapeno peppers, sliced
4 serrano peppers, sliced
1/2 cup salt
1 cup white vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup canola oil
1 jar (10 ounces) small pimiento-stuffed olives, drained

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, toss cauliflower, celery, carrot and peppers with salt. Add cold water to cover. Refrigerate, covered, overnight., Drain vegetables; rinse with cold water and drain again. In a large nonreactive bowl, whisk vinegar, garlic, oregano and pepper flakes. Gradually whisk in oil until blended. Add olives and drained vegetables; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, overnight to allow flavors to blend., Transfer mixture to jars. Cover and refrigerate up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 174mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

CHICAGO ITALIAN BEEF (POT ROAST STYLE)



Chicago Italian Beef (Pot Roast Style) image

Giardiniera is a traditional Italian dish of mixed pickled vegetables- their tangy kick cuts the richness of the beef in Jeff Mauro's sandwich while adding satisfying crunch and spiciness.

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 21h25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

1 boneless beef chuck eye roast (about 3 1/2 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/2 cup dry red wine
3 cups beef stock
2 sprigs fresh thyme
4 green bell peppers, seeded and cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 soft, hinged sub or hoagie rolls
Homemade Hot Giardiniera, recipe follows
1/4 cup table salt
1 cup small-diced carrots
1 cup tiny cauliflower florets
4 to 8 serrano peppers, sliced 1/4 inch (depending on heat level desired)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 stalk celery, diced small
1 red bell pepper, diced small
2 cups canola oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the pot roast: Position a rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
  • Liberally sprinkle the entire roast with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides until golden and caramelized; reduce the heat if the fat begins to smoke. Transfer the roast to a plate and reduce the heat to medium. Add in the onions and saute, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper and saute until fragrant, another minute. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Deglaze with the red wine and cook until reduced by half. Add in the stock and thyme and bring to a simmer. Adjust the seasoning of the jus. Place the roast back into the pot with any accumulated juices and place in the oven. Cook the roast, turning every 30 minutes, until very tender, 3 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Increase the oven heat to 350 degrees F.
  • Transfer the roast to a cutting board and tent with foil. Strain the jus through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl and return back to the pot. Bring to a simmer and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once cooled a bit, pull the meat into smaller chunks, return to the reduced jus and reserve until ready to build the sandwiches.
  • For the sweet peppers: Toss the pepper strips with the olive oil, granulated garlic and some salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring halfway through, until lighter in color and soft, about 20 minutes.
  • For the sandwich build: Place some beef on a roll, then some sweet peppers and then some Homemade Hot Giardiniera. Pour a small dish of reduced jus. Take the whole sandwich and quickly dunk in hot jus. Using two hands, go the hell to town.
  • Day One: Combine 2 cups water and the salt in a glass or non- reactive bowl. Mix until the salt is dissolved. Add the carrots, cauliflower, serranos, garlic, celery and bell peppers to the salt water and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • Day Two: Drain and rinse the vegetables. In a clean bowl, mix together the canola oil with the oregano and pepper. Add the vegetables and mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Giardiniera will only get better with time. After 2 days at the most in the bowl, you can place in air-tight Mason jars and keep in the fridge for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Makes 3 to 4 cups.
  • From Food Network Kitchens; after further testing and to ensure the best results this recipe has been altered from what was in the actual episode.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, high-quality vegetables. This will ensure that your giardiniera has the best flavor and texture.
  • Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces. This will help them cook evenly.
  • Use a variety of spices and herbs. This will give your giardiniera a complex and flavorful taste.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make giardiniera, so feel free to adjust the recipe to your own taste.
  • Be patient. Giardiniera takes time to develop its full flavor. Be sure to let it sit in the refrigerator for at least a week before eating.

Conclusion:

Giardiniera is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's perfect for adding a pop of flavor to sandwiches, salads, and wraps. It can also be used as a topping for pizza, pasta, and grilled meats. If you're looking for a new way to add some excitement to your meals, give giardiniera a try. You won't be disappointed!

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