As a kid, even now, I was a huge fan of these jars of pickled vegetables – giardiniera. So I decided to recreate it! Really all you need are some veggies, spices, water and salt. I think my favorite was the hot peppers! I could down one of these jars in no time! Just looking at the picture makes me hungry!
Fermented Veggies
1 head cauliflower
2 large tomatoes, diced
1/2 large zucchini, sliced, then cut in quarters
6 cloves garlic
2 serrano peppers, halved
2-4 large radishes, diced
1 tsp dill seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp peppercorns
1 tbsp salt
2 sprigs fresh dill
Filtered water
Clean 2 quart mason jars well.
In the bottom of each jar, place a sprig of dill, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 serrano pepper cut in half, and the dill seeds, mustard seeds, and peppercorns.
Layer in the vegetables in any order you prefer. Add 1/2 tbsp coarse salt on top of each jar.
Fill each jar with filtered water. Place something on top of the veggies to keep them submerged under the vegetables. I used a kale leaf from my garden
Cover with wax paper, and a rubber band or something to keep it covered.
Let sit for 1-2 weeks, then taste to see if they are pickled enough for you. Can’t wait to taste these!
Not only is this a fun way to eat vegetables, it will include all the good bacteria from the fermented vegetables. Yum!
Notes: you can add in any vegetables you want. If you don’t want it spicy, leave out the pepper, or leave it whole instead of cutting it in half. You can add in anything you want, and make it your own! Enjoy!
Or dear, I can eat one of your’s jars in no time for sure! Looks fantastic!
Marina@Picnic at Marina recently posted..Grilled, Breville, and Ariosto
I love fermented veggies….but I’ve only done things like cabbage and carrots so far. This sounds amazing!
Lisa recently posted..Enjoying doing the dishes.
Yum! So are fermented veggies the same thing as Kim Chi, or is that made in a different way?
Allie recently posted..Meatless Monday A to Z: Dates
I have never made kimchi, but I thought that was more sauerkrautty — cabbage and salt mixed together and then you let it sit to draw out the moisture … but I think it is kinda the same process! I just added in extra veggies
Jane, you’re right – the cabbage (usually napa) is salted like crazy to draw out the water. The process is slightly different, though; a sort of gravy is made on the stovetop with rice flour and water, then you add spices and red pepper flakes and spread it on the cabbage leaves.
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted..Slacklining
Thanks for the info, ladies! I was hoping kim chi was this easy, I love the stuff but it is SO expensive in stores. I’ll take some regular fermented veggies too, though
Allie recently posted..What I (Grumpily) Ate Wednesday
I love giardiniera so I am definitely making this. I pinned it and hope to maybe try it this long weekend. Thanks for another great idea.
Rhonda (@diningalone) recently posted..The Best Thing I Ever Ate – Spicy Stuff
Thanks Rhonda!
Awesome! For the first time this summer, I took my garden vegetables and pickled them. I have really enjoyed serving it along with family meals.
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jane. That is pretty amazing! I’ve never tasted this type of food. Tiff from her “Home and the Open Road” blog (on my sidebar) has shown us fermenting. I am fascinated by the concept (since it looks easy!) love,andrea
I love fermented veggies! This looks like a great recipe.
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted..Slacklining
I love giardiniera as well and I’m so excited to have this recipe to create my own! I’m surprised to see that it’s just salt and filtered water with some seasoning. How easy is that! I hope you share the results in 1 to 2 weeks!
mjskit recently posted..Masala Chex Mix by Ramona
This is so cool! I didn’t even know those were fermented, I thought just pickled. Looking forward to your update.
Veronica recently posted..August Foodie Penpals
Okay, I have never eaten fermented veggies before. I am intrigued buy am wondering what do they taste like? Is it a pickle taste or what. I probably should just go buy a jar of the Merzetta but hopefully someone will answer before I get to the store again!
It is a “pickled” taste. Plus, with the hot peppers, it is a little spicy!