Giardiniera is a staple of Italian American cuisine, and it’s an absolute must-have if you’re visiting Chicago. It’s often found on classic sandwiches such as the Italian Beef, though it can also be served as part of appetizer or antipasto platters. Here’s how to find good giardiniera in Chicago.
What Is Giardiniera?
Giardiniera is a mix of pickled vegetables – typically cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, carrots, and other garden vegetables. It comes in two different styles – Italian-style giardiniera is simply pickled in vinegar, while Chicago-style giardiniera is pickled before being marinated in olive oil.
In Chicago, it’s often used like a condiment on sandwiches – it adds many of the flavors that pickles lend to similar dishes. It’s tangy, strong, and occasionally spicy, depending on what variety you get.
How Do I Know If My Giardiniera Is Good?
Chicago-style giardiniera can be bought in supermarkets; many brands market an original and spicy version to suit a range of tastes. But if you really want good giardiniera in Chicago, get it fresh from an Italian deli or sandwich shop. Better yet, get it on an Italian Beef sandwich.
If you really want to get fancy and impress some friends, you can even make Giardiniera yourself – there are lots of recipes online to help you reach the peak of Italian condiments right from your own home. Just make sure that you get adequate equipment, good vegetables, and some patience – pickling is a long process, and the longer you wait, the better your giardiniera is going to be.
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