Our fabulous friends, Jeff and Jen Markett who live in Illinois, first introduced us to the Italian condiment giardiniera (pronounced: jar-din-air-a) a few years ago. In the Chicago area, giardiniera is commonly used as a topping on Italian beef sandwiches. Giardiniera is made with serrano and bell peppers, celery, onions, capers, green olives, and pimento in olive oil and vinegar.

The word giardiniera in Italian translates to “female gardener.”  It can be found at an Italian deli and some grocery stores. For locals, I found it in the Italian specialty area of the pasta aisle at Safeway. It is sold mild or hot and as a finely minced relish and as a chunky mixture. I purchased both the mild chunky and the hot relish and mixed them together, but you can use either one. I did not make my own giardiniera this time, but I’m including a recipe, if you have the time (3-day marinating time!) or in case can’t find it in your area.

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