Mild Piccalilli Recipe

Ingredients for Mild Piccalilli:

• 3 lbs of prepared mixed vegetables
• ½ lb (225 g) salt
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 4oz (112 g) white granulated sugar
• 1½ pints (900 ml) white distilled vinegar
• 1 oz (28 g) cornflour

Method for Mild Piccalilli:

1. Put the mixed vegetables in a bowl in alternate layers with the salt and leave overnight.
2. Next day rinse in cold water and drain thoroughly.
3. Put most of the vinegar into a pan and add the spices and sugar and bring to the boil.
4. Add the vegetables and simmer the mixture until the vegetables are still crisp.
5. Blend the cornflour with the remaining vinegar and stir into the vegetable mixture.
6. Boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.
7. Pack the vegetables into hot, clean sterilised jars using a slotted spoon.
8. Top up with any remaining sauce.
9. Cover and seal immediately.
10. Label once fully cool.

A combination of most vegetables can be used for Piccalilli but root vegetables don’t tend to work very well. Pick from cauliflower, crisp cabbage, celery, cucumber, courgettes, French and young runner beans, green tomatoes, marrow, peppers, pickling onions, shallots and sweet corn kernels. These need to be cut into fairly small pieces (½”-1″/1.25-2.5 cm).

This recipe is for about 3 – 4 lbs (1.4 – 1.8 kg) of Mild Piccalilli.

Tip: It’s better to use wide necked jars like the 1 lb (450 g) kilner type jars as packing them can get a bit messy!

For More Information on Pickles

Pickles - How to Make Pickles

Pickles can range from a simple single ingredient pickle to a complex mixed pickle like Piccalilli. The final flavour, especially with the simple pickles, will depend heavily on the vinegar used. See our article on Making Spiced & Flavoured Vinegars,...

Relishes - How to Make Relishes at Home

Relishes tend to be half way between a chutney and a pickle in that, though they use the same kinds of fruits and vegetables, the finished texture is different. The fruit or vegetables are cut into small pieces or coarsely chopped and a combination of...

Preserving Jars, Labels and Covers

Store, preserve, label and cover your home grown fruit and vegetables with this extensive range of products. You've made it so it is only fair to show it off at its best!

Jam and Preserve Making Equipment

All the equipment you need to easily make your own jams, chutneys and preserves. Say goodbye to mass-produced supermarket jams and preserves and start producing your own unique accompaniments to meals using your own produce.