Hors d'oeuvres like this one are great for entertaining — the vegetables benefit from being prepared in advance, becoming more flavorful as they absorb the pickling liquid. The recipe also yields a large batch, so you'll have plenty on hand.
Stainless steel, enameled cast iron, and glass are nonreactive, but avoid pure aluminum and uncoated iron.
Pickled vegetables keep, covered and chilled, 1 month.
Recipe information
Total Time
1 week (includes pickling time)
Yield
Makes about 12 cups (hors d'oeuvre servings)
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Add fennel, cauliflower, bell peppers, and carrots to an 8-quart pot half full of unsalted boiling water, then immediately turn off heat and let stand, uncovered, 2 minutes. Drain vegetables in a colander and spread out on a kitchen towel to cool to room temperature.
Step 2
Bring remaining ingredients to a boil in a 3-quart nonreactive saucepan (see cooks' note, below) over moderate heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Transfer pickling liquid to a 4-quart nonreactive bowl and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Discard garlic (don't be alarmed if it has turned blue in reaction to the vinegar) and add vegetables to pickling liquid. Weight vegetables with a plate to keep them submerged in liquid if necessary. Chill, covered, at least 1 week.
