Thursday, August 6, 2026

Pantry: Whole-grain Mustard


Whole-grain mustard is super simple to make and it stores for six months in the refrigerator, or so I hear; mine never lasts that long. This mustard is usually found in the gourmet aisle, and carries an eye-popping price tag that simply is not reflective of anything. There is almost no labor involved, and the ingredients are extra cheap, less than two dollars for a pint of this excellent and essential condiment. 

The flavor is perfect for ham sandwiches on homemade basic loaf bread, and it really shines on a baguette. Set a small pot on a charcuterie board.

Equipment
Immersion Blender
Two 8 ounce or one pint glass (or ceramic or stoneware) container with tight-fitting lids
Mixing bowl, about 4 cup capacity

Ingredients
1/3 cup yellow mustard seeds, whole
1/3 cup brown mustard seeds, whole
1/2-3/4 cup apple cider vinegar, depending on how tangy you like it (recipe from apple scraps)
1/2-3/4 cup water (enough to make the total liquid 1.25 cups)
1.5 Tablespoons raw sugar (or light brown sugar)
1 teaspoon salt

Directions
  1. Combine seeds in the mixing bowl and stir in water and vinegar. Let sit for 24 hours. (If you’re in a massive rush, you can reduce this to 8 hours, but the seeds won’t be as infused with the vinegar, and they won’t be as easy to mash). 
  2. Remove about 1/2 a cup of the seed mix and set aside if you want a particularly toothy blend.
  3. Add the salt and sugar and process with an immersion blender or in a food processor until relatively smooth, scraping down the sides as you go. I find pulsing the blender helps keep the blades clear. Process until desired consistency.
  4. Fold in reserved seed mix, if using.
Pour into jars and cover with tight fitting lid.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Flavor matures with age.

    Storing Vegetables without Plastic