A vibrant Malagasy side dish, this pickled vegetable relish brings crunch, tang, and gentle warmth to the table. Crisp cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, and peppers are tossed in a turmeric-mustard dressing that brightens any plate of rice or stew.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings6
Yield6 side servings
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 110 kcalCalories
- 6 gFat
- 0.8 gSaturated Fat
- 12 gCarbs
- 3 gFiber
- 5 gSugar
- 2 gProtein
- 420 mgSodium
- 320 mgPotassium
- 45 mgCalcium
- 1 mgIron
- 50 mgVitamin C
- 280 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the vegetables
- 1/2 small green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
- 1 cup small cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
For the aromatic tempering
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
For the pickle dressing
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp water
Directions
- Combine all the prepared vegetables in a large non-reactive bowl and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat; add the mustard seeds and let them pop for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the turmeric, grated ginger, and garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Remove the pan from the heat and carefully whisk in the vinegar, salt, sugar, chopped chili, and water.
- Pour the hot dressing evenly over the vegetables and toss thoroughly so every piece is coated.
- Cover the bowl with a tight lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, so the flavors meld and the vegetables stay crisp.
- Before serving, give the relish a good stir and taste for seasoning, adding a pinch more salt if needed.
- Serve cold as a bright side alongside steamed white rice and hearty mains such as pork stew or grilled fish.
Cook’s Notes
- Letting the relish rest overnight in the refrigerator deepens the tang and softens the vegetables just enough while keeping them crunchy.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of mild curry powder to the tempering for a more pronounced Malagasy flavor profile.
- Choose the freshest, firmest vegetables possible so they hold their snap after marinating.
- Stored in a sealed glass jar, the relish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a milder version, omit the fresh chili and swap in a few grinds of black pepper.










