If you’re still unfamiliar with giardiniera, Chicago's most cherished condiment second only to their neon green relish, you’re seriously missing out. Here the beloved Midwest condiment of pickled veggies in a punchy-hot brine does double duty: The vegetables get finely chopped and tossed with charred cabbage, lending pops of crunchy confetti throughout. And even more importantly, the brine gets transformed into a zesty vinaigrette that cloaks charred cabbage in a tangy, spicy sheen. Topped with sliced Italian sausage and plenty of basil, the giardiniera amps up an otherwise straightforward dish.
When shopping for this recipe, make sure to grab Italian-style (vinegar-based) giardiniera, not Chicago-style. The latter is typically chopped much finer and includes oil, causing this dish to turn out a bit too slick.