There’s something truly satisfying about making your own condiments at home, and when it comes to classic British preserves, nothing quite compares to a good jar of piccalilli. This vibrant, tangy, and crunchy relish is a staple in traditional English cuisine, especially around holidays and cold buffet tables. Packed with mustard, turmeric, and a variety of pickled vegetables, piccalilli offers a burst of flavor that complements meats, cheeses, and savory pies beautifully. While many store-bought versions are available, crafting your own piccalilli recipe at home allows for better control over taste and texture and the results are often far superior to anything found on supermarket shelves.
What Is Piccalilli?
Piccalilli is a type of British relish made by pickling a mixture of vegetables in a spiced mustard and turmeric sauce. It’s commonly bright yellow due to the turmeric and has a tangy, punchy flavor that pairs wonderfully with cold cuts, cheeses, and even crusty bread. Though it has roots in Indian pickles, piccalilli has become uniquely British over the years and is considered a must-have during festive seasons like Christmas or on a ploughman’s lunch plate.
Common Ingredients
The best piccalilli recipe typically includes a mix of chopped vegetables, spices, and vinegar. Here are some staples:
- Cauliflower florets
- Cucumber or gherkins
- Green beans or runner beans
- Onions or shallots
- Mustard powder
- Turmeric
- Ground ginger
- Cider vinegar or malt vinegar
- Sugar
- Cornflour (cornstarch) for thickening
Other ingredients like carrots, bell peppers, or courgettes can also be added depending on personal taste and availability.
Why Make Your Own Piccalilli?
Making homemade piccalilli offers several advantages over store-bought options:
- Customization: You control the heat, sweetness, and level of crunch.
- No preservatives: Homemade versions don’t rely on artificial additives.
- Flavor depth: Fresh spices and vegetables create a bolder, brighter taste.
- Gift potential: A jar of homemade piccalilli makes a fantastic edible present.
Once you’ve tasted a well-made batch, it’s hard to go back to commercial versions. The texture is crisper, the flavors more vibrant, and the satisfaction of making it yourself is unbeatable.
The Best Piccalilli Recipe
This recipe creates a classic, bright yellow piccalilli with a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. It’s ideal for spreading on sandwiches, serving with pork pies, or adding to cheese boards.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 200g green beans, chopped
- 2 small onions, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp salt (for brining)
- 600ml cider vinegar
- 200g granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp mustard powder
- 2 tbsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 3 tbsp cornflour mixed with a little cold water
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables: Place all chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the salt, cover with cold water, and leave to brine overnight (8-12 hours). This step helps maintain the crunch and flavor.
- Rinse and drain: The next day, thoroughly rinse the vegetables in cold water and drain well.
- Cook the vinegar base: In a large pot, bring the vinegar and sugar to a gentle boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add spices: Mix the mustard powder, turmeric, and ground ginger into the vinegar. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Thicken the sauce: Slowly stir in the cornflour slurry while whisking continuously. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Add the vegetables: Stir the drained vegetables into the thickened sauce. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until just tender but still firm. Avoid overcooking to preserve the texture.
- Jar the piccalilli: Spoon the hot piccalilli into sterilized jars, seal immediately, and let cool. Store in a cool, dark place and allow to mature for at least 2 weeks before eating.
Tips for Perfect Piccalilli
- Use fresh vegetables: The fresher the ingredients, the better the crunch and flavor.
- Sterilize jars properly: This ensures a long shelf life and prevents spoilage.
- Let it mature: Allow at least two weeks for the flavors to meld and mellow before serving.
- Adjust spice levels: Add chili flakes or mustard seeds if you prefer a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions
Piccalilli is a versatile condiment and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to enjoy it:
- Ploughman’s lunch: Serve with thick-cut ham, cheddar cheese, crusty bread, and pickled onions.
- With cold meats: Perfect alongside roast beef, turkey, or leftover Christmas ham.
- In sandwiches: Add to cheese or cold meat sandwiches for an extra zing.
- With pies and pastries: A great companion to pork pies, sausage rolls, and Scotch eggs.
Storing and Shelf Life
Homemade piccalilli should be stored in sterilized, airtight jars. Once sealed and cooled, keep them in a cool pantry or cupboard. It typically lasts up to 6-12 months unopened. Once opened, store the jar in the refrigerator and consume within 6 weeks for the best quality. Always use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination.
Variations to Try
Part of the joy of making piccalilli is the flexibility it offers. Here are a few twists to try on the traditional recipe:
- Spicy piccalilli: Add a diced chili or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Sweet piccalilli: Increase the sugar slightly and use red bell peppers for a sweeter profile.
- Crunchy mix: Include sliced radishes or chopped fennel for added crunch and freshness.
- Herb-infused: Try adding mustard seeds, dill, or bay leaves during the simmering process for an herby aroma.
Why This Is the Best Piccalilli Recipe
This recipe strikes the perfect balance of tangy vinegar, warming spices, and sweet undertones. It’s loaded with crunchy vegetables and bold flavors that improve the longer it sits. Easy to customize and surprisingly simple to make, this homemade piccalilli becomes a go-to condiment for any savory meal. Whether you’re new to preserving or a seasoned home cook, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time.
Making your own piccalilli at home is a rewarding and flavorful experience. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create a delicious condiment that stands out on any table. Its bold colors and even bolder flavor make it a favorite for holidays, picnics, and everyday meals. Try this best piccalilli recipe once, and you may never buy it from a store again.