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Cauliflower ChowChow

This cauliflower chowchow is a vibrant, tangy vegan relish that brings a wonderful crunch to any meal. Inspired by traditional pickling methods, this recipe transforms humble cauliflower florets into a bright, savoury condiment using a blend of mustard seeds, celery seeds and cider vinegar. The balance of sweetness and acidity makes it an excellent accompaniment to plant-based burgers, fresh salads or even a simple ploughman’s lunch featuring crusty bread and vegan cheeses.

Preparing this homemade pickle is incredibly straightforward, requiring only a gentle simmer to infuse the vegetables with aromatic spices. As a healthy, low-fat addition to your fridge, it is a brilliant way to preserve seasonal cauliflower and add a punch of flavour to your weekly meals. Simply store it in a glass jar and enjoy the maturing flavours over the course of a month.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Cauliflower ChowChow

  • 4 cups 1/2" cauliflower florets (cut from 1 large head)

  • Kosher salt

  • 240ml apple cider vinegar

  • 160ml finely chopped onion

  • 5 1/2 tablespoons sugar

  • 4 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons (generous) dry mustard

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons (generous) celery seeds

How to make Cauliflower ChowChow

Cook cauliflower florets in a large pot of boiling salted water until just crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain cauliflower. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.

Meanwhile, combine vinegar, onion, sugar, mustard seeds, dry mustard, and celery seeds in a large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

Add cauliflower to saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer mixture and pickling juices to a 1-quart jar. Let cool slightly, cover, and chill. Serve within 1 month.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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