Piccalilli

Piccalilli Recipe - Traditional English Condiment

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Piccalilli is a traditional British condiment that is a combination of pickled vegetables and a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It is a versatile condiment that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes.

History

Piccalilli has its origins in British cuisine and dates back to the 18th century. It was originally made with a variety of vegetables that were pickled in vinegar and spices to preserve them for the winter months. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a combination of gherkins, shallots, cauliflower, green tomatoes, and other vegetables.

Ingredients

300 g gherkin
200 g shallots
200 g cauliflower
150 g green tomatoes
150 g garden peas
100 g carrots
100 g green beans
100 g wax beans
15 g horseradish

Pickle

1 liter vinegar
400 g sugar
100 g white flour
35 g mustard powder
2 tsp curry powder
0.5 tsp atamon powder

How to prepare

Clean and cut the vegetables into small pieces.
Parboil the vegetables in salty water to prevent them from becoming too hard.
Boil the vegetables in vinegar for 2 minutes.
Remove the vegetables from the vinegar.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a small amount of cold vinegar.
Add the flour mixture, sugar, and herbs to the vegetables.
Boil the vinegar for 5 minutes, then return the vegetables to the pot and bring to a boil.
Add the atamon.
Transfer the mixture into sterilized jars and seal tightly with lids that have been washed with atamon.

Variations

Add diced apples or pears for a sweeter piccalilli.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers or green beans for a unique twist.
Adjust the amount of sugar and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to parboil the vegetables before pickling them to ensure they are not too hard.

- Use a combination of vinegar, sugar, and spices to create a flavorful pickling liquid.

- Seal the jars tightly with lids that have been washed with atamon to ensure the piccalilli stays fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve piccalilli as a condiment with cold meats, cheese, or sandwiches. It can also be used as a topping for burgers or hot dogs.

Cooking Techniques

Parboil the vegetables before pickling them to ensure they are not too hard.

- Mix the flour with a small amount of cold vinegar before adding it to the vegetables to prevent lumps.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use different types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

- Substitute white sugar with brown sugar or honey for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Piccalilli can be made ahead of time and stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve piccalilli in small jars or bowls for a rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or spices for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Piccalilli pairs well with cold meats, cheese, sandwiches, and burgers. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for fried foods.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store piccalilli in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Serve piccalilli cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of piccalilli contains approximately 50 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of piccalilli contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of piccalilli contains minimal amounts of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of piccalilli contains minimal amounts of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Piccalilli is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the vegetables used in the recipe. It also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Piccalilli may contain allergens such as mustard powder and atamon powder. Be sure to check the ingredients list for any allergens before consuming.

Summary

Piccalilli is a low-calorie condiment that is a good source of vitamin C. It is a flavorful addition to a variety of dishes.

Summary

Piccalilli is a traditional British condiment that is a flavorful combination of pickled vegetables and a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It is a versatile condiment that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who lived down the street. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most incredible aroma - a mix of sweet and tangy flavors that made my mouth water.

"What's that delicious smell, Mrs. Jenkins?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

"Oh, that's my homemade piccalilli," she replied with a smile. "Would you like to try some?"

I eagerly nodded, and she ladled a generous spoonful of the vibrant yellow relish onto a cracker for me to taste. The moment it touched my tongue, I was hooked. The combination of chopped vegetables, mustard, vinegar, and spices was unlike anything I had ever tried before. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds and left me craving more.

"Mrs. Jenkins, this is absolutely incredible! Would you be willing to share your recipe with me?" I asked, my excitement bubbling over.

She chuckled and nodded, pulling out a weathered recipe card from a drawer. As I copied down the ingredients and instructions, she shared with me the history of piccalilli - a traditional British condiment made from a mix of pickled vegetables and spices. It was a staple in her family for generations, and she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother.

Armed with Mrs. Jenkins' guidance, I went home determined to recreate the magical concoction in my own kitchen. I gathered the freshest vegetables from my garden - cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and cauliflower - and set to work chopping and pickling them. The pungent smell of mustard and vinegar filled the air as I stirred the mixture on the stove, watching as the colors melded together into a vibrant relish.

After letting it simmer and cool, I eagerly tasted a spoonful of my homemade piccalilli. To my delight, it was just as delicious as Mrs. Jenkins', if not better. The balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors was perfection, and I knew I had found a new favorite recipe to add to my collection.

Over the years, I continued to make piccalilli for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I proudly shared Mrs. Jenkins' secret with anyone who asked, passing on the tradition of this beloved condiment to the next generation.

As time went on, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist by incorporating different vegetables and spices. I discovered that piccalilli was incredibly versatile and could be tailored to suit any taste preference. Some versions were spicier with added chili peppers, while others were sweeter with a touch of honey.

No matter how I chose to make it, piccalilli always brought joy and nostalgia to those who tasted it. It became a staple in my own family's meals, enjoyed on sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, or as a side dish to complement any meal. The bright yellow relish became a symbol of love and tradition in our home, a reminder of the bond between food and memories.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the joy of piccalilli, I am filled with gratitude for Mrs. Jenkins and her willingness to share her treasured recipe with me. It has become more than just a condiment - it is a connection to the past, a link to the generations of cooks who came before me, and a testament to the power of good food to bring people together.

I may have learned to make piccalilli from Mrs. Jenkins, but the true magic of this recipe lies in the memories and stories that accompany it. Each jar of homemade relish is a testament to the love and care that went into its creation, a tangible expression of the joy that comes from sharing good food with loved ones.

And so, as I continue to pass on the tradition of piccalilli to my own family and friends, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the simple pleasures that cooking can bring. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time may be fresh in my mind, but the legacy of piccalilli will live on for generations to come.