If you and your family are tired of eating regular steamed broccoli and cauliflower, there are plenty of alternative cooking methods that you can try to spice up these common veggies. Pickling your broccoli and cauliflower infuses it with a pleasantly pungent flavor and preserves it for up to a year. Pickling also is a great way to make sure your family can enjoy broccoli and cauliflower all year round.
Step One
Things You'll Need : 1 head broccoli, 1 head cauliflower, Knife, 1 small yellow onion, 8 cups water, 6 cups white vinegar, 6 tbsp. kosher salt, Saucepan, 5 1-qt. mason jars with lids, Large pot, 10 tsp. pickling spices, 2 tsp. red pepper flakes, 2 tsp. dried thyme.
Step Two
Choose fresh heads of broccoli and cauliflower. You will be able to tell freshness by checking for tight florets that cling to the stalk. Do not choose broccoli or cauliflower that has limp stems or brown spots.
Step Three
Wash the vegetables, and chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets. You can chop and pickle the stems or discard them, depending on your preference. Peel the onion, slice it in half, then cut each half into thin half moons and set aside.
Step Four
Add the water, vinegar and kosher salt to a saucepan and cook until just boiling, then turn off the heat.
Step Five
Sanitize your mason jars by submerging them in a large pot of boiling water for at least 30 seconds. Remove them from the boiling water using a pair of tongs and set them aside to dry.
Step Six
Measure out the pickling spices, dried thyme and red pepper flakes into a small bowl, stirring to combine. Divide the spice blend evenly into the jars. Divide the onion slices evenly among the jars, and place them on top of the spice blend. Tightly pack the broccoli and cauliflower florets into the jars.
Step Seven
Pour the pickling liquid into the jars, filling them to the very top. Clean the rims of the jars with a clean towel. Cap the jars tightly and fully submerge the jars in a pot of simmering water for 10 minutes. Remove the jars from the pot with tongs and set out on the counter to cool before storing in a pantry or cupboard.
Step Eight
Allow the pickles to brine for two to three weeks before consuming. Store your pickles in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once you open a jar, store in the refrigerator.