Zesty Pickled Green Beans with Garlic and Dill
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 cups distilled white vinegar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 4 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon dill seeds
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
1. Prepare the jars: Sterilize four pint-sized glass jars and their lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before use.
2. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the pickling brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the distilled white vinegar, water, kosher salt, sugar, garlic, dill seeds, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
4. Pack the jars: Once the brine has boiled, remove it from the heat. Pack the blanched green beans into the prepared jars, standing them upright. Distribute the garlic cloves evenly among the jars.
5. Pour the brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the green beans, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a proper seal.
6. Seal the jars: Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip-tight.
7. Process the jars: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure a proper seal. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least an inch.
8. Cool and store: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or cooling rack. Once cool, check the seals by pressing down in the center of each lid; it should not pop back. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Shelf Life: Properly sealed and stored, these zesty pickled green beans can last for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2-3 weeks for the best flavor and texture.