The Classic Piccalilli Recipe

By Elaine Lemm

Updated 09/18/18

A jar of homemade piccalilli
DK/Getty Images
Ratings (23)
  • Total: 24 hrs 40 mins
  • Prep: 24 hrs
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yield: 2-3 jars

Despite Piccalilli being one of Britain's favorite pickles, it is surprising that its origins, or the original Piccalilli recipe, remain something of a mystery. There's no doubt it is connected to the Indian sub-continent; some sources say Piccalilli was also known as Indian Pickle, and the Indian pickle Achar is similar also made with mustard, vinegar, and salt and shares the same yellow color.
Whatever its origins it's a British food favorite and no cooked ham, cold beef, Ploughman's lunch or buffet table is complete without a bight yellow dollop. It is easy to make and will keep for several months in sealed jars.

Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 ounces table salt
  • 3 1/2 pints cold water
  • 10 1/2 ounces cauliflower florets
  • 8 ounces pearl onions (peeled)
  • 8 ounces cucumber (de-seeded and cut into large chunks)
  • 2 teaspoons capers (in brine, drained and well-rinsed)
  • 7 fluid ounces dark malt vinegar
  • 7 fluid ounces white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon pickling spices
  • 2 ounces caster sugar
  • 2 ounces butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Steps to Make It

Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, this British piccalilli dish is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preserving.

Make the Brine

  1. First, you need to make a salt brine. In a bowl large enough to hold the water and all the vegetables, dissolve the salt in the water.

  2. Add all the vegetables and capers.

  3. Put a plate on the vegetables to make sure they stayed submerged in the brine.

  4. Cover and keep in the fridge for 24 hours.

Make the Spiced Vinegar

  1. Place the two vinegars, pickling spice, and sugar into a large stainless steel pan. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes.

  2. Leave to cool.

The Next Day

  1. Remove the brine and vegetables from the fridge, drain, and rinse the vegetables well.

  2. Place the rinsed vegetables into a pan, cover with cold water. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

  3. Drain and leave to one side.

  4. In another pan, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir thoroughly.

  5. Cook gently for 5 minutes taking care not to burn the flour.

  6. Strain the spiced vinegar and slowly add to the butter and flour.

  7. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened.

  8. Add the turmeric, mustard powder, and black pepper stir well. You should now have a brightly colored, thick sauce.

  9. Pour the thick sauce over the drained vegetables and stir well making sure all the vegetables are coated in the sauce.

  10. Pour into sterilized jars and seal.

Kitchen Notes

  • Keep for at least one week before opening (preferably longer, but the temptation to try it may be too strong).
  • Once opened the jars must be kept in the refrigerator.
  • Unopened, the jars will keep for at least six months in a dark, cool place.