The flavour of the pickle will improve if it is stored for about 6 weeks before using.
Cooking time: 24 hours brining time, then 1 - 1 1/4 hours
ingredients
makes 6 pound
2 medium-sized firm cauliflowers, separated into florets
1 1/2 pound firm tomatoes, quartered
4 medium-sized onions, coarsely chopped
6 ounce 3/4 cup salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups soft brown sugar
1 teaspoon pickling spices
2 1/2 cups white wine vinegar
method
1. Arrange the vegetables in layers in a large deep dish, sprinkling equal amounts of the salt on each layer. Pour over enough cold water to cover the vegetables. Cover the dish with foil and set it aside in a cool place for 24 hours.
2. Drain the vegetables, discarding the liquid. Place the vegetables in a large colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove the excess salt. Drain off the water, shaking the colander, and place the vegetables in a large saucepan.
3. Sprinkle over the mustard, ginger, pepper, sugar and pickling spices. Pour over the vinegar. Set the pan over moderate heat and bring the liquid to the boil, stirring frequently.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 - 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still firm when pierced with the point of a sharp knife.
5. Remove the pan from the heat. With a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables from the pan and pack them into pickling jars. Pour in enough of the cooking liquid to fill each jar. Wipe the jars clean with a damp cloth and seal the jars with lids. Label and store them in a cool dry, dark place.
