In brief
- Pikliz: a condiment of cabbage, carrots, onion and chili pickled in vinegar, served with fried dishes
- Origin: Haiti
- Key ingredients: white cabbage, carrots, onion, scotch bonnet chili, white vinegar
- Accompanies griot, fried plantains and other Haitian fried foods
Origins and cultural history of pikliz
Pikliz is a condiment of vegetables pickled in vinegar, made of cabbage, carrots, onion and scotch bonnet chili. It traditionally accompanies fried dishes of Haitian cuisine, first and foremost griot, but also fried plantains and akra. Its preparation, close to the vinegar-pickled vegetables known in several Caribbean traditions, has become one of the most widely eaten condiments in Haiti, present at both festive meals and everyday ones.
For the Haitian diaspora settled in France, pikliz remains inseparable from the fried dishes it enhances with its acidity and heat.
What are the key ingredients of pikliz
Pikliz is built on finely sliced vegetables, pickled in white vinegar with a few spices.
- White cabbage
- Carrots
- Onion
- Scotch bonnet chili (or habanero)
- Garlic and clove
- White vinegar
What to know about pikliz
Pikliz is a condiment of white cabbage, carrots and onion, pickled in white vinegar with scotch bonnet pepper, garlic and cloves. It goes with the fried dishes of Haitian cooking, such as griot, bananes pesées or akra, and lifts them with its acidity and heat. Kept in the refrigerator, always submerged in its vinegar, it lasts several weeks and its heat grows stronger over time.
Frequently asked questions about pikliz
How long does pikliz keep?
Kept in the refrigerator, always submerged in its vinegar, pikliz keeps for several weeks. Its heat and acidity intensify over time.
Can pikliz be made without scotch bonnet chili?
Yes, failing scotch bonnet chili, another fresh hot chili can be used according to taste, adjusting the quantity to get a similar heat.
Where to find the ingredients for pikliz in France?
NKOSI sells the white vinegar and clove needed for this recipe, and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 69 €.
