Hairy Bikers Piccalilli Recipe

If you love tangy, crunchy and flavorful condiments, this Hairy Bikers Piccalilli Recipe is perfect for you. Piccalilli is a traditional British pickle made with fresh vegetables, tangy mustard and spices.

It’s bright, colorful and adds a delicious zing to sandwiches, cold meats and cheese boards. I love how easy it is to make at home and how it fills the kitchen with amazing aromas.

Today, I’ll show you how to make Hairy Bikers Piccalilli step by step, with simple ingredients and clear instructions.

Why I Love Making This Hairy Bikers Piccalilli

I first tried this recipe during a Sunday afternoon cooking session. The bright yellows and greens of the vegetables made the kitchen feel cheerful.

I enjoy making it because it’s simple, and the flavors are bold and tangy. Every time I serve it, friends and family love the crunch and spice. Homemade piccalilli tastes so much fresher than store-bought versions.

The process is satisfying too, chopping the vegetables and stirring the mustard sauce as it thickens. It feels like making a true British classic at home.

Equipment List

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sterilized glass jars with lids
• Grater (optional for smaller vegetables)

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Piccalilli
• Servings: 6–8 jars (depending on jar size)
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
• Course: Condiment / Side Dish
• Cuisine: British
• Calories: 80 kcal per 50g serving

Ingredients You Need for Hairy Bikers Piccalilli

• 200g cauliflower florets
• 150g green beans, chopped
• 150g baby onions or pearl onions
• 150g gherkins, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 150g sugar
• 200ml white wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons mustard powder
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Chop cauliflower, beans, peppers and gherkins into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.

2. Salt the Vegetables

Place chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of salt. Mix and leave for 30 minutes to draw out excess water.

3. Rinse and Drain

Rinse salted vegetables under cold water. Drain well using a sieve or clean kitchen towel.

4. Make the Mustard Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, mustard powder, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper and cornflour. Whisk until smooth.

5. Cook the Sauce

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly and is smooth.

6. Add Vegetables to the Sauce

Add drained vegetables to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly with the mustard sauce.

7. Simmer Gently

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should become tender but still crisp.

8. Add Garlic and Oil

Stir in minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to infuse flavor.

9. Sterilize Jars

While cooking, sterilize glass jars by boiling or using hot oven method. This ensures the piccalilli stays fresh longer.

10. Fill the Jars

Spoon the hot piccalilli into sterilized jars. Press gently to remove air pockets. Seal immediately with lids. Let cool before storing.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of vegetables for color and texture.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to make it mild or spicy.
• Store in sterilized jars to keep for months.
• For a smoother sauce, blend a small portion of vegetables before adding.
• Serve with cold meats, cheese boards, sandwiches or ploughman’s lunches.

History or Fun Fact About the Dish

Piccalilli is a traditional British pickle influenced by Indian mustard pickles. It became popular in England in the 18th century.

The Hairy Bikers bring a modern twist by using fresh vegetables and bold flavors. Homemade piccalilli is more flavorful, colorful and vibrant compared to store-bought versions.

Pairings & Complementary Recipes

Hairy Bikers Piccalilli pairs wonderfully with cold meats, roast beef sandwiches, cheese boards and ploughman’s lunches.

Serve with crusty bread or buttered toast for added texture. It also complements eggs, salads and baked potatoes, making it a versatile condiment in British cuisine.

Occasion or Event Ideas

• Family lunch gatherings
• Summer picnics and BBQs
• Cheese and charcuterie boards
• Sunday roasts or cold meat meals
• Holiday feasts where homemade condiments are appreciated

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
• Once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within 2–3 weeks.
• Do not heat in jars; use a spoon to serve at room temperature.
• Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.

Nutrition Information

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (approx)
Cauliflower	200g	50 kcal
Green beans	150g	35 kcal
Baby onions	150g	60 kcal
Gherkins	150g	30 kcal
Peppers	300g	90 kcal
Vinegar & Sugar	—	80 kcal
Total per 50g serving	—	80 kcal

Health Benefits

This piccalilli is rich in vegetables, providing fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Cauliflower and peppers boost immunity and promote digestion.

Vinegar may help regulate blood sugar and mustard seeds add trace minerals. Making it at home avoids preservatives, making it healthier than store-bought versions. It’s a flavorful, low-calorie addition to meals.

FAQs about Hairy Bikers Piccalilli

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but slightly defrost first and drain excess water. Fresh vegetables provide better texture and color.

Q2: How long does homemade piccalilli last?
Unopened, it can last up to 6 months. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2–3 weeks.

Q3: Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit cayenne pepper. The mustard flavor will still give a tangy taste.

Q4: Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely. Add carrots, cauliflower or any crunchy vegetables you like. Avoid very watery vegetables like cucumber.

Q5: Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is completely vegetarian. It is a perfect condiment for plant-based meals too.

Final Thoughts

This Hairy Bikers Piccalilli Recipe is tangy, crunchy and full of flavor. It’s easy to make at home and perfect for sandwiches, cold meats or cheese boards.

The mustard sauce gives a rich, colorful finish that everyone will love. Once you try it, it will become a staple in your fridge for enhancing any meal.

Homemade piccalilli tastes fresh, vibrant and far better than store-bought versions. Enjoy the bright colors, crunchy vegetables and bold flavors with your favorite dishes today.