Giardiniera for Super Bowl? Why Not!

Giardiniera may be just the ticket to spice up your Super Bowl party, especially necessary if your team happens to be lagging behind. After all, this traditionally Italian dish of pickled vegetables that is commonly served as an antipasto can be consumed in a number of ways.

In fact, in Southern Chicago, the place from where chef Joey Martino hails, the multi-tasking food find takes on the form of something a bit different: A colorful, robust condiment that is finely chopped and that is served up as a dip or sandwich spread like on Chicago-style hot dogs or Italian beef hogies.

Giardiniera for Super Bowl? Why Not!

So what is giardiniera? Well, it’s sort of like the typical Provencal dish called tepenade only in a more vibrant way considering both flavor and appearance.

So, with that in mind, here’s the alternative version of this taste treat:

Joey Martino’s Chicago-style Giardiniera

Ingredients

1 16 oz jar of Spanish pimento stuffed olives with the olive juice

1 large can of pitted black olives, drained before using

1 small jar of pepperonicini peppers with the juice

1 large bunch of celery stalks

7 shakes of olive oil

7 shakes of red pepper flakes

7 shakes of dry oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Finely chop all ingredients, and then place in your refrigerator in various jars so the  giardiniera has time to marinate. This usually means a stay in the fridge for at least 24-hours.

Don’t worry: All this prep time is worth it. In fact, chef Joey claims the mixture will last up to six months as the tasty treat gets better with age. That said, because Joey and his wife Andrea constantly snack on the flavorful spread, this Chi-town native tells us that his version barely lasts his family a month.

Joey also says that if you want to give your version an extra punch, simply substitute the black olives with fruity kalamatas.

And so, there you have it. A giardiniera dip/spread that can easily be ready for Super Bowl this weekend. Just get started before it’s too late to include this unique food choice for your gathering. Added incentive? You’ll be the toast of the party if you do!

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