Green Bean Pickles

Green Bean Pickles Recipe from Croatia

Region / culture: Croatia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green bean pickles are a delicious and tangy side dish that can add a burst of flavor to any meal. These pickles are easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a convenient option for meal prep.

History

Pickling vegetables has been a common practice for centuries as a way to preserve food. Green bean pickles are a popular variation of this traditional method, with the tangy vinegar and spices adding a unique flavor to the crisp green beans.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh green beans, cleaned and kept whole
1 cup vinegar (I used wine vinegar)
1 cup water
1 tbsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tsp dry
2 – 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 0.5 tsp garlic powder)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
cayenne pepper to taste

How to prepare

Place all ingredients in a large pot with a lid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables reach your desired level of tenderness.
For a slightly crunchy texture, simmer until the vegetables turn a light green color.
Transfer the cooked vegetables and their liquid into a tightly closed container, preferably made of plastic or glass.
Store the container in the refrigerator.
The vegetables will stay fresh for approximately one week and their flavor will improve over time.
Ensure that both the beans and their juice are included in the container to prevent them from drying out.

Variations

Add sliced onions or red pepper flakes for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or white wine vinegar, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to clean and trim the green beans before pickling to ensure a fresh and crisp texture.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences – add more for a spicier pickle or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.

- Use a tightly sealed container to store the pickles in the refrigerator to prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Green bean pickles can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or sandwiches, or added to salads for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Pickling is a simple cooking technique that involves preserving vegetables in a vinegar-based brine. This method helps to enhance the flavor of the vegetables and extend their shelf life.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead.

- Substitute white vinegar for wine vinegar if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Green bean pickles can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavor will continue to develop over time, making them a great make-ahead option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve green bean pickles in a small dish or jar for a rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh dill or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Green bean pickles pair well with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board or antipasto platter.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store green bean pickles in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of green bean pickles contains approximately 30 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of green bean pickles contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Green bean pickles are low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Each serving of green bean pickles contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.

Alergens

Green bean pickles do not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Green bean pickles are a low-calorie, low-fat side dish that provides a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Green bean pickles are a delicious and tangy side dish that can add a burst of flavor to any meal. With their crisp texture and tangy flavor, these pickles are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of my grandmother's recipes that had been passed down through the generations. As I sifted through the yellowed and tattered pages, my eyes were drawn to a faded, handwritten note tucked away in the corner.

In neat cursive script, the note read: "Green Bean Pickles - a family favorite from Aunt Mildred." My curiosity piqued, I carefully unfolded the fragile paper and read through the instructions. The recipe called for fresh green beans, vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices that Aunt Mildred had learned from her own grandmother many years ago.

Excited to try something new, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I blanched the green beans and mixed together the tangy vinegar marinade, the familiar scents of pickling spices filled the air. I felt a connection to my ancestors as I carefully packed the jars with the green beans, sealing in the flavors of generations past.

After a few weeks of patiently waiting for the pickles to mature, I finally had the chance to taste the fruits of my labor. The crisp, tangy green beans were a revelation, bursting with the flavors of summer and the love of family. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a tradition to pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I have continued to make Aunt Mildred's Green Bean Pickles, refining the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of homemade pickles to all who are willing to try. Each batch brings back memories of that hot summer day when I first discovered the recipe, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past.

As I grow older, I find solace in the familiar rituals of cooking, in the act of creating something delicious and nourishing with my own two hands. The recipe for Green Bean Pickles has become a touchstone for me, a link to a time when life was simpler and cooking was a labor of love, rather than a chore to be rushed through.

I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on the tradition of making Green Bean Pickles, to honor the memory of Aunt Mildred and all the generations of women who came before me. In each jar of pickles I make, I feel their spirits watching over me, guiding my hands as I stir, chop, and pickle. And as I share this recipe with my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of connection and joy that I do, knowing that they are part of a long and delicious legacy.