Imagine a tangy, crisp, and absolutely addictive snack that takes just minutes to prepare and will have your taste buds dancing with excitement! These Quick Pickled Green Beans, affectionately known as "Dilly Beans", are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Whether you're a pickle lover, a health enthusiast, or someone who craves bold flavors, this recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering culinary adventure that's both simple and spectacular.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 quart
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon dill seeds
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh green beans under cold running water. Trim the ends of the beans, removing any tough or woody parts, and cut them to fit your jar if necessary.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of salt. Stir the mixture well to dissolve the salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- While the brine is cooling, prepare your jar. Take a clean quart-sized jar and add the peeled garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of dill seeds, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using) to the bottom of the jar.
- Pack the trimmed green beans tightly into the jar, standing them upright. Leave some space at the top to allow for the brine.
- Once the brine has cooled slightly but is still warm, carefully pour it over the green beans in the jar, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged. Leave about half an inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid. Allow the jar to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator.
- Let the pickled green beans sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop. They can be enjoyed after this time, but they will taste even better after a few days.
- Enjoy your quick pickled green beans as a crunchy snack, a flavorful addition to salads, or as a zesty garnish for cocktails!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Beans: Select crisp, bright green beans without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Jar Selection Matters: Use clean, sterilized glass jars to ensure food safety and prevent contamination.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to make the pickles mild or fiery hot according to your preference.
- Patience is Key: While you can eat these beans after 24 hours, letting them sit for 3-5 days in the refrigerator will develop a more complex, deeper flavor.
- Storage Tip: These quick pickled green beans will stay crisp and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond snacking, use these pickled beans in charcuterie boards, as a cocktail garnish, or chopped into salads for an extra flavor punch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 15kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
