Name: Hairy Bikers Piccalilli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: Cauliflower (1 small head, cut into florets) – The main vegetable that provides crunch and structure.; Onions (2 medium, chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth.; Carrots (2 medium, diced) – Bring color and mild sweetness.; Green beans (100 g, chopped) – Provide additional texture.; Salt (2 tablespoons) – Helps draw moisture from vegetables and keeps them crisp.; Water (enough to cover vegetables) – Used for the overnight brine.; White vinegar (500 ml) – Creates the tangy base of the pickle.; Sugar (150 g) – Balances the acidity of vinegar.; Mustard powder (2 tablespoons) – Gives the sauce its classic piccalilli flavor.; Turmeric powder (1 teaspoon) – Provides the bright yellow color.; Cornflour (2 tablespoons) – Thickens the sauce.; Whole mustard seeds (1 tablespoon) – Adds texture and mild spice.

Hairy Bikers Piccalilli Recipe

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Hairy Bikers Piccalilli is a British-style pickled vegetable relish made with cauliflower, onions, and other vegetables preserved in a mustard and vinegar sauce. The bright yellow color usually comes from turmeric, which also adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

Unlike quick pickles, piccalilli involves a short brining step that helps the vegetables stay crisp. The vegetables are then cooked briefly in a tangy mustard sauce before being stored in jars. Over time, the flavors deepen and become more balanced.

Author: Ekani Ella
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 35
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 jars
Category: Condiment
Method: Pickling
Cuisine: British

Ingredients

Vegetables

Cauliflower (1 small head, cut into florets) – The main vegetable that provides crunch and structure.
Onions (2 medium, chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth.
Carrots (2 medium, diced) – Bring color and mild sweetness.
Green beans (100 g, chopped) – Provide additional texture.

Brining Ingredients

Salt (2 tablespoons) – Helps draw moisture from vegetables and keeps them crisp.
Water (enough to cover vegetables) – Used for the overnight brine.

Pickling Sauce

White vinegar (500 ml) – Creates the tangy base of the pickle.
Sugar (150 g) – Balances the acidity of vinegar.
Mustard powder (2 tablespoons) – Gives the sauce its classic piccalilli flavor.
Turmeric powder (1 teaspoon) – Provides the bright yellow color.
Cornflour (2 tablespoons) – Thickens the sauce.
Whole mustard seeds (1 tablespoon) – Adds texture and mild spice.

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Vegetables

Cut the cauliflower into small florets. Dice the carrots, chop the onions, and cut the green beans into small pieces.

Place all vegetables in a large bowl.

Step 2 – Brine the Vegetables

Dissolve the salt in water and pour it over the vegetables until they are fully covered.

Leave the vegetables to soak for about 12 hours or overnight. This process helps keep them crisp.

Step 3 – Rinse and Drain

After brining, drain the vegetables and rinse them well with fresh water. Allow them to drain thoroughly.

Step 4 – Prepare the Pickling Sauce

Pour the vinegar into a saucepan and add sugar, mustard powder, turmeric, and mustard seeds.

In a small bowl, mix cornflour with a little vinegar to create a smooth paste. Add this mixture to the saucepan.

Step 5 – Cook the Sauce

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 6 – Add the Vegetables

Add the drained vegetables to the thickened sauce.

Cook for about 5–8 minutes, stirring gently so the vegetables remain slightly crisp.

Step 7 – Jar the Piccalilli

Spoon the hot piccalilli into sterilized jars and seal them tightly.

Allow the jars to cool completely before storing.

Step 8 – Let the Flavors Develop

For the best flavor, let the piccalilli mature for at least one week before using. This resting time allows the spices and vegetables to blend together beautifully.

Find it online: https://britishrecipes.uk/hairy-bikers-piccalilli-recipe/

Hairy Bikers Piccalilli​ Recipe