Giardiniera is a Chicago Thing

If the reference to giardiniera (pronounced jar-din-ear) is not enough to make your mouth water, then maybe you don’t know what it is. In which case this video is perfect for you.

Maybe the mention of vinegar, olive oil, sport peppers or pickled veggies will help you along. I’m literally slobbering right now.  Ah! Don’t know what a sport pepper is? Well it’s also a Chicago thing.

In regard to the use of this unique condiment, I agree it is tasty on an Italian beef sandwich (yes, another Chicago thing) though I do personally prefer sweet peppers (ditto) but I’ll do my own show about that.

Hot dogs should have sport peppers but giardiniera can go on virtually anything else such as an Italian Sausage or Polish. Taco? In fact, the local Subway sandwich shops usually have this Chicago classic available which I find to be the perfect way to dress up what is otherwise an unremarkable culinary experience.

UPDATE:

To see just how useful giardiniera can be, see  Man of the People Pat Tomasulo  fill Chicago potholes with this versatile condiment.