Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering recipe that's been passed down through generations – Rita's Classic Dilly Beans! These zesty, crisp green beans aren't just a side dish; they're a flavor explosion that will elevate your culinary repertoire. Imagine biting into a perfectly pickled bean, bursting with tangy dill and garlic notes that dance on your palate. Whether you're a pickle enthusiast or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to turn ordinary green beans into an extraordinary condiment that will have everyone asking for your secret.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dill seeds
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and trim the green beans, removing any stems or blemished ends. Ensure beans are cut to uniform length that will fit comfortably in canning jars.
- Sterilize clean glass jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running through a dishwasher's sanitize cycle to prevent bacterial contamination.
- In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, salt, dill seeds, and garlic powder. Bring the pickling liquid to a rolling boil, stirring to ensure salt is completely dissolved.
- Pack the trimmed green beans vertically into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Ensure beans are tightly but not forcefully packed.
- Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the beans, making sure to cover them completely and maintaining the 1/2 inch headspace.
- Use a clean knife or chopstick to remove any air bubbles by gently pressing along the jar's interior.
- Wipe jar rims clean with a sterile cloth to ensure a proper seal, then secure lids and rings, tightening just until fingertip-tight.
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to create a proper seal and preserve the beans.
- Remove jars and let cool completely at room temperature. You should hear a satisfying "pop" as lids seal.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Allow beans to pickle for at least 2 weeks before consuming for best flavor development.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor. Avoid beans that are soft or have blemishes.
- Use sterilized jars to prevent bacterial growth and ensure safe preservation.
- Don't skip the water bath processing – it's crucial for creating a proper seal and safe canning.
- Allow beans to pickle for at least 2 weeks for maximum flavor development.
- Store in a cool, dark place to maintain quality and extend shelf life.
- For extra crispness, consider adding a small grape leaf to each jar, which contains tannins that help keep pickles crunchy.
- Experiment with spice levels by adjusting garlic powder or adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 30kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
