Pikliz (Haitian Spicy Pickled Slaw)
In short: Haitian pickled slaw of cabbage, carrots and scotch bonnet peppers in lime-spiked vinegar, crunchy and fiery. The essential side for fried pork and fish. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 16 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 24 h
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 16
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 10 kcal
Pikliz is the Haitian table condiment that nearly every meal comes with: shredded cabbage, carrots and scotch bonnet peppers pickled in vinegar and lime juice until they are sharp, crunchy and fiery. A spoonful cuts through fried pork, fish and plantains, and a jar in the fridge is always ready. It needs at least a day to mellow, and it keeps for weeks. Handle the peppers with gloves, because the oils burn skin.
Instructions
- Wearing gloves, slice the scotch bonnets. Toss the cabbage, carrots, onion, bell pepper and salt together in a large bowl and let them stand for 10 minutes.
- Pack the vegetables into a clean 1 liter (4 cup) jar in layers, tucking in the scotch bonnet slices, garlic, cloves and peppercorns as you go.
- Pour the vinegar and lime juice over the vegetables, adding a little cold water if needed to cover them completely.
- Press the vegetables down so they are submerged, seal the jar and shake gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving, turning the jar over once. The flavor is best after 2 or 3 days.
Tips
- Use a mix of ripe red and green scotch bonnets for color. For a milder pikliz, remove the seeds and use only 1 or 2 peppers.
- Keep the vegetables under the liquid and use a clean spoon each time. The pikliz stays crisp for about 1 month in the fridge.
Questions and answers
What is pikliz served with?
It goes with griyo (fried pork), fried fish, fried plantains, rice and beans, and almost any rich dish. Haitians spoon it on as a spicy, tangy relish.
How long does pikliz last?
In a sealed jar in the fridge, with the vegetables covered by liquid, pikliz keeps for about 1 month. The heat deepens over time.
Can I use habanero instead of scotch bonnet?
Yes. Habanero peppers are close in heat and fruitiness and work well. Use the same number, or fewer if you want it milder.
How long does it take to make Pikliz (Haitian Spicy Pickled Slaw)?
About 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pikliz (Haitian Spicy Pickled Slaw)?
About 10 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 2 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 10 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
