Piccalilli

 Mixed Vegetables

1 lb (450 gm) Small Onions, 1 lb (450 gm) Courgettes & 1 lb (450 gm) Cauliflower Florets)

8 Pints of Brine (4.5 Litres): 400 gm Salt made up to 8 Pints (4.5 Litres)

9 oz (250 gm) Castor Sugar

1 Tablespoon Mustard Powder

1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger

3 Pints (1.7 litres) White Vinegar

4 Tablespoons Plain Flour

2 Tablespoons Turmeric

  Prepare the vegetables by cutting the Courgettes into pieces about 1” (25 mm) square, peeling the onions and placing the prepared vegetables into a suitable container. Dissolve the salt in about 1 pint (540 ml) of warm water and add this solution to the main volume of cold water. Make this solution up to 8 pints (4.5 litres). Pour the brine solution onto the vegetables and leave for 24 hours.

  After 24 hours drain the vegetables and rinse with cold water to remove the majority of the brine. Blend the Sugar, Mustard and 3 pints (1600 ml) of the White Vinegar in an acid proof pan and bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the vegetables to the pan about 3 minutes before the end of the 20-minute period. Blend the Flour and Turmeric with the residual Vinegar and add to the spiced vinegar and vegetables. Bring back to the boil and simmer until the mixture thickens.

Transfer the mixture into suitable containers with either screw top lids or Kilner preserving jars and allow to cool. Keep the Piccalilli for a minimum period of two weeks to allow it to mature before use.

 NB. This recipe is based on one, which my mother used to use and which in turn was passed on from my Grandmother. The Recipe can be varied in so far as the quantities of vegetables can be either increased, or reduced to meet personal requirements. Some people like more onions while others may prefer less and more courgette etc. Reduction in quantities of the spices and other flavourings can also be varied to suit individual tastes. I have had some success with the recipe but for those who can buy Piccalilli they may think the whole business is not worth the effort. Believe me – it is.

  Source:  "Ted" 

23rd. October 2002

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