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Pikliz - Haitian Spicy Pickled Slaw in a Mason Jar

Pikliz (Haitian Spicy Pickled Slaw)

A fiery Haitian pickled slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers soaked in white vinegar with lime juice and spices. No cooking required — just chop, pack, and wait.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Resting Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 20 minutes
Servings: 16 servings (1 quart jar)
Course: Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine: Caribbean, Haitian

Ingredients
  

  • ½ small green cabbage finely shredded
  • 2 medium carrots julienned
  • 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 3-4 whole scotch bonnet peppers or habaneros
  • ½ medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white distilled vinegar
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Shred cabbage finely, julienne carrots, and thinly slice bell peppers and onion.
  2. Combine all vegetables in a large bowl. Add salt and toss well.
  3. Pack the vegetables tightly into a clean wide-mouth mason jar, pressing down firmly with a wooden spoon.
  4. Tuck whole scotch bonnet peppers, thyme sprigs, peppercorns, and cloves between the vegetables.
  5. Pour white vinegar and lime juice over everything until vegetables are fully submerged.
  6. Seal the jar and shake gently to distribute everything.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. 48-72 hours is ideal.
  8. Taste and adjust salt before serving. Shake the jar before each use.

Notes

Keep scotch bonnets whole for moderate heat, slice them for maximum fire. The pikliz gets spicier the longer it sits — check it after a week. Use gloves when handling hot peppers.

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