Spicy Dilly Beans

Spicy Dilly Beans Recipe from Iraq

Region / culture: Iraq | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Dilly Beans are a delicious and tangy snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish. These pickled green beans are infused with garlic, dill, and a hint of heat from tabasco sauce, making them a flavorful addition to any meal.

History

Dilly beans have been a popular pickled vegetable in American cuisine for many years. The combination of green beans, dill, and garlic has been a favorite among home cooks and canners alike. The addition of tabasco sauce adds a modern twist to this classic recipe, giving it a spicy kick.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of green beans, washed and trimmed at ends (do not snap beans)
0.25 – 0.5 tsp of cayenne pepper or tabasco sauce (according to your heat preference)
2 cloves of garlic, whole and peeled
0.5 tsp of mustard seeds (optional)
1 head of dill (or 0.5 tsp of dill weed)
5 cups of distilled vinegar
0.5 cup of pickling salt
5 cups of water

How to prepare

Prepare jars for canning.
Bring vinegar, salt, and water to a boil.
In the bottom of each hot sterilized jar, place the garlic cloves, mustard seed, and dill.
Pack the jars with fresh green beans, packed lengthwise.
Do not snap the beans.
Process for 20 minutes at an altitude of 1000', or adjust the time according to your altitude.

Variations

Add sliced jalapenos for extra heat.
Use different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
Substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture.

- Do not snap the beans, as they will shrink during the pickling process.

- Adjust the amount of tabasco sauce to suit your heat preference.

- Sterilize your jars properly before canning to ensure the safety of your dilly beans.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Spicy Dilly Beans as a snack on their own, or serve them alongside sandwiches or grilled meats for a flavorful side dish.

Cooking Techniques

Canning is the preferred method for preserving dilly beans, but you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pickling salt, you can use kosher salt instead. You can also use fresh dill weed instead of dill heads.

Make Ahead Tips

Spicy Dilly Beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the dilly beans in a decorative jar for a beautiful presentation. They also make a great homemade gift for friends and family.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spicy Dilly Beans with a charcuterie board or as a garnish for a Bloody Mary cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Spicy Dilly Beans in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a month.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Dilly Beans contains approximately 20 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Dilly Beans contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

There is negligible fat content in Spicy Dilly Beans.

Proteins

Spicy Dilly Beans contain minimal protein, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but individuals with allergies to garlic or dill should avoid consuming these dilly beans.

Summary

Spicy Dilly Beans are a low-calorie, low-fat snack that is rich in vitamins and minerals. They make a healthy addition to your diet.

Summary

Spicy Dilly Beans are a delicious and tangy snack that is easy to make and perfect for preserving the summer harvest. Enjoy the heat of tabasco sauce and the freshness of dill in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Spicy Dilly Beans. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that I inherited from my great-grandmother, along with a multitude of other treasured recipes. The pages were yellowed with age, and the handwriting was faded, but the words on the page seemed to jump out at me: "Spicy Dilly Beans."

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the name intrigued me. I could almost taste the tangy, spicy flavor just by reading the title. It was a recipe that called for fresh green beans, garlic, dill, and a variety of spices to create a pickled delicacy that would be perfect for snacking or as a side dish. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew that I had to try making it for myself.

I had always been passionate about cooking, and over the years, I had collected recipes from various places and people. Some were handed down from my grandmother, while others I had discovered in cookbooks, magazines, and online. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, and I loved experimenting with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen.

But there was something about this Spicy Dilly Beans recipe that spoke to me on a deeper level. Perhaps it was the nostalgia of cooking a dish that had been passed down through generations, or maybe it was the challenge of trying something completely new and different. Whatever the reason, I knew that I had to make it my mission to perfect this recipe and add it to my culinary repertoire.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed, including fresh green beans, garlic cloves, dill seeds, red pepper flakes, and vinegar. I followed the instructions carefully, blanching the beans, packing them into jars with the spices, and pouring the hot vinegar mixture over the top. The scent of dill and garlic filled the kitchen, and I knew that I was onto something special.

After letting the jars sit for a few weeks to allow the flavors to meld together, I finally opened one up and tasted my creation. The first bite was a revelation - the crisp, tangy beans paired perfectly with the spicy kick of the red pepper flakes. It was a flavor explosion in my mouth, and I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious from scratch.

I shared my Spicy Dilly Beans with friends and family, who all raved about how addictive they were. They couldn't get enough of the crunchy texture and bold flavors, and soon, I found myself making batch after batch to keep up with demand. It became a staple at family gatherings and potlucks, with everyone asking for the recipe so they could make it themselves.

As I continued to make my Spicy Dilly Beans, I thought about the journey that had led me to this recipe. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving family traditions and sharing them with others. Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones and create lasting memories, and this recipe was no exception.

In the end, the Spicy Dilly Beans became more than just a dish - they were a symbol of my love for cooking and the joy that sharing good food can bring. And as I look back on that moment of curiosity that sparked my interest in this recipe, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing in the kitchen, one delicious dish at a time.