Giardiniera is known in the U.S. (primarily by Chicagoans) as the pickled, sometimes spicy, vegetables that top their famous beef sandwiches. But while Chicago may have made giardiniera famous here in America, its roots are not Midwestern.

Bon Appétit reports that giardiniera's origins are in Italy, and preserving the topping was born of simple practicality. To make it, cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, celery, green beans, and similar vegetables are mixed with spices and vinegar. Many kinds of assorted veggies can be pickled this way, and the mixture is useful for topping dishes all year round.