For many Italian beef eaters in Chicago, a lode of giardiniera atop the beef is as essential as the beef itself. Our recipe includes the "sport peppers" that are so popular at Chicago's beef and hot dog stands, but any small, very hot pepper will do. Obviously adjust this to your taste ... but giardiniera should not be mild!
2 cups pitted green olives
1/2 large yellow onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced fine
1 celery stalk, sliced 1/8 inch thick
1 cup fresh cauliflower, broken into small pieces
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup "sport" peppers (little green hot ones), or to taste
1 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Recipe
1. Use a mallet to crack the olives so they break at least in half and have a rugged texture.
2. Combine the olives with all other ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate a full 24 hours before using.