Piccalilli relish is a traditional British condiment that brings together a colorful medley of vegetables preserved in a tangy, spicy mustard sauce. Often served alongside cold meats, cheeses, or ploughman’s lunches, it adds a punch of flavor that complements savory dishes with a bold and vibrant kick. This relish is known for its bright yellow color and chunky texture, which comes from the combination of pickled vegetables and a thickened mustard-vinegar base. Preparing piccalilli at home gives you the advantage of customizing the spice level, acidity, and vegetable mix to suit your personal taste. With just a little planning and patience, you can create a homemade piccalilli relish that outshines anything you’d find in a jar at the store.
What Is Piccalilli Relish?
Piccalilli is a type of pickle that has its roots in British cuisine, believed to have been influenced by Indian spices during the colonial era. It typically includes vegetables like cauliflower, cucumbers, onions, and green beans, chopped into small pieces and preserved in a spiced, mustard-based sauce. The result is a zesty, slightly sweet, and tangy relish with a thick consistency and a bright yellow hue, thanks to turmeric and mustard powder. It’s ideal as a condiment for sandwiches, burgers, grilled meats, and cheese boards.
Ingredients for Homemade Piccalilli Relish
The key to a great piccalilli relish lies in fresh, crisp vegetables and a well-balanced pickling liquid. Here are the essential ingredients:
Vegetables:
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1 cup green beans, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced cucumber (deseeded)
- 1 cup pearl onions or diced shallots
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
Pickling sauce:
- 2 cups distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dry English mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or cornflour)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed mustard seeds (optional)
Preparing the Vegetables
Step 1: Chop and Salt the Vegetables
Begin by washing and chopping all the vegetables into small, uniform pieces. This helps ensure even pickling and a consistent texture in the final relish. Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl and sprinkle with a tablespoon of salt. Toss everything well, cover the bowl with a clean cloth, and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. This process draws out excess moisture and helps preserve the crispness of the vegetables.
Step 2: Rinse and Drain
The next day, drain the salted vegetables in a colander and rinse under cold water to remove any excess salt. Let them drain thoroughly and set aside while you prepare the pickling sauce.
Making the Mustard Pickling Sauce
Step 3: Prepare the Spice Blend
In a medium bowl, combine the dry mustard powder, turmeric, ginger, flour, cornstarch, and mustard seeds if using. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This blend will give the relish its classic flavor and vibrant color.
Step 4: Cook the Sauce
In a large, non-reactive saucepan, heat the vinegar and sugar over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Gradually whisk in the spice-flour mixture to avoid lumps. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens to a smooth, pourable consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once thickened, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add a little more sugar for sweetness, or a splash of vinegar for extra tang. The flavor should be bold, zesty, and slightly sweet with a warming mustard heat.
Combining and Bottling
Step 5: Add Vegetables to the Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the drained vegetables to the saucepan. Stir well to coat all the vegetables evenly with the thick, golden sauce. Simmer the mixture gently for 5 minutes, just enough to let the flavors mingle without losing the texture of the vegetables.
Step 6: Sterilize Your Jars
Before bottling, make sure your jars are clean and sterilized. You can do this by washing them in hot, soapy water and placing them in a low oven (about 250°F or 120°C) for 10-15 minutes. Don’t forget to boil the lids separately.
Step 7: Fill and Seal
Carefully ladle the hot piccalilli relish into the warm jars, leaving a small space at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal with sterilized lids, and allow the jars to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, store them in a cool, dark place. For best flavor, let the relish mature for at least two weeks before opening.
Serving Suggestions for Piccalilli Relish
Piccalilli relish is incredibly versatile. Its tangy, spiced flavor pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few popular ways to enjoy it:
- With cold meats: Serve piccalilli alongside roast ham, corned beef, or leftover roast beef for a flavorful kick.
- On a cheese board: Add a spoonful next to sharp cheddar, stilton, or aged gouda to complement their rich flavors.
- In sandwiches: Spread it on crusty bread with cold cuts and salad for an added zing.
- As a barbecue condiment: Use it as a relish for sausages, burgers, and grilled chicken.
- With savory pies: Piccalilli goes especially well with pork pies and savory pastries.
Storage and Shelf Life
Homemade piccalilli relish can be stored in sealed jars for up to 6 months when kept in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within 4 weeks. The flavor continues to improve as it sits, so making it in advance is always a good idea.
Tips for Perfect Piccalilli
- Use fresh, firm vegetables: Soft or overripe veggies can turn mushy during the pickling process.
- Let it rest: Allowing the relish to mature for a couple of weeks deepens the flavor and smooths out the vinegar’s sharpness.
- Control the heat: For a spicier relish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced chili peppers to the spice blend.
- Balance sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter relish, while others enjoy more acidity.
- Label your jars: Include the date of preparation so you can keep track of shelf life and aging time.
Why Make Your Own Piccalilli Relish?
There’s something incredibly rewarding about preserving your own food. Making piccalilli relish at home allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste, avoid preservatives, and ensure high-quality ingredients. Homemade piccalilli is also a great gift idea for food lovers and a standout addition to any holiday meal or casual gathering. Once you try this recipe, it’s likely to become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you’re pairing it with a traditional British meal, enhancing a cheese board, or looking for a unique condiment for your next barbecue, piccalilli relish brings color, crunch, and complex flavor to the table. This simple but rewarding recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys pickles and bold, tangy condiments.