Giardiniera is an all-purpose Italian-American condiment, made of peppers, celery and other vegetables, like Italian sottaceti, but with olive oil instead of vinegar. You get a good dose of giardiniera if you order your Italian beef hot, and Chicagoans put this spicy condiment on everything, including pizza, eggs, turkey sandwiches, you know, everything. Caputo’s Market & Deli (2400 N. Harlem) in Elmwood Park has an excellent selection, but at some smaller Italian grocery stores like Serrelli’s Food Market, 6454 W. North, you can pick up house brands, which reveal new ways to prepare this classic. (David Hammond)
