AIP Giardiniera (Nightshade-Free)
AIP giardiniera made with cauliflower, carrots, and celery in a turmeric-spiced brine for a nightshade-free refrigerator pickle.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups chopped celery
- 3 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 3 tsp kosher salt plus more for seasoning
- 2 cups white wine vinegar
- 2 cups cold water, plus more for brining
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1½ tsp whole cloves
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano
- 1/8 tsp ground turmeric
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine celery, cauliflower florets, and carrots. Aim for about 7 to 8 cups of vegetables total. Sprinkle with three teaspoons of salt and add enough cold water to fully submerge the vegetables. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (for a smaller chop), or up to 6 (for larger pieces) to begin the pickling process.
- Once brined, drain the vegetables thoroughly and transfer them to clean, heat-safe canning jars.
- In a medium saucepan, combine white wine vinegar, two cups cold water, garlic, bay leaves, cloves, oregano and ground turmeric. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then taste and adjust the seasoning with up to a half teaspoon of salt, keeping in mind that the vegetables are already seasoned from the initial brine. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables, dividing the garlic, spices and herbs across the jars, until the liquid just covers the vegetables. Let cool slightly at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within two to three weeks.
Notes
This is a refrigerator pickle recipe, not a shelf-stable preserved food. The recipe is not written to comply with safe canning guidelines. Do not store at room temperature. The process does not require sterilization of jars or equipment, though sterilization is always a good practice. Once prepared, keep the giardiniera tightly sealed in the refrigerator and consume within two to three weeks. Discard earlier if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mold, off smells or bubbling.