Homemade Hot Giardiniera

This is not your average "pickled vegetables."

In fact, a lot of people recommend using vinegar for things like this.

However, if you want more of a fresh vegetable taste, rather than the pickled flavor, this is your pick.

If you do plan on making this, it's important to note at the beginning that if you plan on doing it right, it will take you 2 days to make. So plan in advance!

Having a jar of this in your fridge comes in handy way more than you think, but is especially good with this. (Also from my fav. Jeff Mauro!)

You will need:

• 1/4 C table salt
• 1 C small diced carrots (I use shredded)
• 1 C tiny cauliflower florets
• 4 to 8 Serrano peppers, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 stalk celery, diced small
• 1 red bell pepper, diced small
• 2 C canola oil
• 1 T dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Green onions, minced (personal preference, not from the original recipe!)

Directions:

• Combine 2 C water and salt in a glass bowl.
• Mix until salt is dissolved.
• Add carrots, cauliflower, Serrano's, garlic, celery and bell peppers to the salt water and stir to combine.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• The next day, 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.
• Place in air-tight mason jars and keep in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 weeks