MAKES 6 PINTS

Inspired by Eugenia Bone's recipe for cauliflower pickle, we added turmeric, cumin, chiles, and black mustard seeds to give the resulting dish a South Asian accent.

3 tsp. coriander seeds
1 1/2 tsp. turmeric
1 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 1/2 tsp. black mustard seeds
6 bay leaves
6 dried chile de árbols, split
2 lbs. cauliflower, washed
1 large carrot
1 small red onion
3 cups white wine vinegar
   (with at least 5 percent acidity)
6 tbsp. sugar
6 tbsp. kosher salt

1. Bring a 6-quart saucepan of water to a boil. Place 6 one-pint canning jars along with their bands and lids in the boiling water. After about 30 seconds, remove the lids from the water with tongs and transfer to a kitchen towel on the counter. After about 10 minutes, use tongs to transfer the jars and bands to the kitchen towel and let air-dry.

2. When the jars are dry, add 1⁄2 tsp. coriander seeds, 1⁄4 tsp. turmeric, 1⁄4 tsp. cumin seeds, 1⁄4 tsp. black mustard seeds, 1 bay leaf, and 1 dried, split chile de árbol to each jar.

3. Bring a 4-quart saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cut cauliflower into 1" florets. Peel and slice the carrot into 1⁄8"-thick coins. Halve and thinly slice the onion.

4. Boil the cauliflower and carrots for 3 minutes; drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add the onion and stir to combine. Divide the vegetables between the jars, leaving about 3⁄4" of space at the top of each jar.

5. In a 4-quart saucepan, bring 4 cups water, sugar, and salt to a boil over high heat, whisking occasionally to dissolve it, about 5 minutes.

6. Pour the vinegar solution into the jars, leaving 1⁄2" of space below each rim. Wipe the rims of the jars with a hot damp towel. Cover and seal each jar with a lid and screw the bands on tightly.

7. Place the jars in a large pot fitted with a rack; pour in enough water to cover the jars by at least 3". Bring to a boil over high heat; boil for 15 minutes. When using this recipe at altitudes of 1,001 to 6,000 feet, add 20 more minutes of processing time; above 6,000 feet, add an additional 5 minutes. Turn off the heat; let sit for 5 minutes.

8. Using tongs or a rubber-handled jar lifter, transfer the jars to a kitchen towel on the counter; let cool for 6 hours. Store cauliflower in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening.