Low carb piccalilli is a delightful way to enjoy a tangy, crunchy relish without the high sugar content typically found in traditional recipes. This version keeps all the bold, spiced flavor while cutting down on carbs, making it ideal for those following keto or low-carbohydrate diets. Whether you’re serving it alongside cold meats, spreading it in sandwiches, or pairing it with cheese, a low carb piccalilli recipe adds zest and brightness to your meals. Making your own allows you to control every ingredient, from the type of sweetener to the selection of vegetables, ensuring both taste and health benefits.
What Is Piccalilli?
Piccalilli is a British-style pickle relish made with chopped vegetables and a mustard-spiced, vinegar-based sauce. It’s traditionally yellow from turmeric and mustard powder and often includes cauliflower, onions, and gherkins. The original recipes use sugar and flour as thickeners, but for a low carb version, those can be swapped for low-carb sweeteners and xanthan gum or chia seeds for consistency. The result is a punchy, slightly sweet, and pleasantly tangy condiment with fewer carbohydrates.
Why Make Low Carb Piccalilli?
There are several great reasons to create your own low carb piccalilli at home:
- Control Ingredients: Avoid added sugars, starches, and preservatives often found in store-bought versions.
- Low Glycemic Impact: Suitable for diabetics or those on keto diets.
- Flavor Customization: Adjust the heat, spice levels, and sweetness to your preference.
- Versatility: Use it with meats, cheeses, or even as a low carb sandwich spread.
Choosing Low Carb Vegetables
To keep this recipe low in carbohydrates, choose vegetables that are naturally low in sugar and starch. Some traditional piccalilli vegetables, like carrots or pearl onions, can be high in carbs, so you may want to replace them with alternatives that offer similar texture and crunch.
Recommended Vegetables
- Cauliflower florets
- Zucchini or courgette (diced)
- Green beans (cut into small lengths)
- Celery (finely chopped)
- Cucumber (deseeded and diced)
- Bell peppers (any color, but yellow or green are great visually)
Low Carb Sweeteners and Thickeners
Instead of sugar, use keto-friendly sweeteners that maintain the flavor without the carbs. These substitutes dissolve well in vinegar and hold up to heat.
Best Sweetener Options
- Erythritol
- Stevia (liquid or powdered)
- Monk fruit sweetener
- Allulose (for a more natural sweetness)
Low Carb Thickeners
- Xanthan gum use sparingly to prevent a slimy texture
- Ground chia seeds provide a natural thickness with fiber benefits
- Glucomannan powder a konjac-based thickener that works well with pickles
Low Carb Piccalilli Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped small
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (or 1 tablespoon ground chia seeds)
Instructions
- Steam or blanch the cauliflower, green beans, and zucchini for about 34 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sweetener, mustard powder, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Whisk in the xanthan gum or chia seeds until the mixture thickens slightly. Simmer for 34 minutes while stirring.
- Add the blanched vegetables along with celery and bell peppers to the saucepan. Stir well to coat all vegetables evenly.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat, allowing flavors to blend and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Spoon the mixture into sterilized glass jars, seal tightly, and refrigerate. Allow it to sit for at least 24 hours before using for best flavor.
Storage and Shelf Life
Because this low carb piccalilli doesn’t contain traditional preservatives or sugar, it’s best stored in the refrigerator. When kept in sterilized jars and sealed tightly, it can last up to 3 weeks refrigerated. For longer preservation, you can explore safe canning methods, but be mindful of proper acidity levels to avoid spoilage.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a vinegar with at least 5% acidity to ensure preservation and proper pickling
- Allow flavors to mature for a few days before eating for deeper taste
- Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination
How to Serve Low Carb Piccalilli
This vibrant relish is more than just a condiment it adds personality to low carb meals and elevates simple dishes. Its bold color and flavor make it a standout addition on any plate.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled sausages or roast meats
- Serve alongside cheese and cold cuts on a charcuterie board
- Add to lettuce wraps or keto sandwiches for extra crunch
- Mix into tuna or chicken salad for a zesty twist
- Use as a topping for grilled tofu or veggie burgers
Health Benefits of Low Carb Piccalilli
Besides being low in carbohydrates, this homemade relish also offers a range of health advantages, especially when made with fresh, nutrient-dense vegetables and natural seasonings. It’s a fiber-rich condiment that can support digestion, metabolism, and blood sugar control.
Nutritional Highlights
- High in fiber: Supports gut health and satiety
- Rich in antioxidants: From turmeric, bell peppers, and other vegetables
- Low glycemic impact: Helps maintain stable blood sugar levels
- No added sugar: Suitable for ketogenic and diabetic diets
Low carb piccalilli is a delicious way to enjoy a beloved condiment without the added sugars and starches of traditional recipes. It’s vibrant, tangy, and customizable to your taste preferences, all while supporting a healthy lifestyle. Making it at home gives you the flexibility to experiment with flavors, select your favorite low carb vegetables, and adjust the seasoning to suit your palate. Whether you’re preparing it for daily use or a holiday spread, this version of piccalilli will quickly become a staple in your low carb kitchen.