| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 50 | 0.2g | 0g | 10.2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3.2g | 4.1g | 2.2g | 1.9g |
If there’s one thing I adore about Southern cooking, it’s the vibrant, down-to-earth flavors that capture the essence of the region. One of my all-time favorite recipes—Dilly Beans (Pickled Green Beans with Dill Seed)—is a shining example of this. This fruit-based delicacy is not only delicious but also packed with an array of health benefits.
A Southern-Style Pickle with a Twist
Being a Charleston native, pickles have always been a part of my culinary heritage. But Dilly Beans take the concept of pickling to a whole new level. At first glance, they may resemble ordinary pickled cucumbers, but one bite will ensure you never mistake the two again. These tangy, slightly spicy pickles are a delight to the senses, offering not just a burst of flavor, but also an exciting crunch that cucumber pickles simply can’t match.
The Health Benefits & Versatility of Dilly Beans
Dilly beans are not just about tantalizing your taste buds, they’re also packed with health benefits. Green beans are high in various vitamins and minerals, low in calories, making these pickles a heart-healthy choice. The dill and garlic, both known for their powerful antiviral properties, provide an additional boost to your immunity.
What really sets this recipe apart, though, is its versatility. Dilly beans are the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. You can serve them as a refreshing side with Southern classics like fried chicken or biscuits, or enjoy them on their own. They are also the perfect pairing for coastal entrees, complementing seafood dishes with their zingy flavor.
The wonderful thing about Dilly Beans is that they also evolve in flavor over time. Their tangy and flavorful notes deepen the longer they sit in their brine, offering a different experience with every jar.
Whether you’re a seasoned Southern cook or someone looking to infuse your menu with some Southern twang, Dilly Beans (Pickled Green Beans with Dill Seed) is a recipe you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 2-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dill seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard seed
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 2 1/2 cups white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spicy version)
Method
Step One
Prepare 2 quart-sized pickling jars by washing them thoroughly with hot, soapy water and setting them aside.
Step Two
Clean the green beans and trim any left-over stems. Make sure your beans will fit into your jars by trimming them to an appropriate length, leaving about an inch of room at the top of the jar.
Step Three
Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves. Also, take the fresh dill and cut it into sprigs that will fit inside the jars.
Step Four
Divide up the garlic slices, fresh dill, dill seeds, ground mustard seed, black peppercorns, and optional red pepper flakes evenly between the two jars. Arrange the beans upright inside the jars, fitting as many as you can into each jar.
Step Five
In a saucepan, bring the water, white vinegar, and kosher salt to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and carefully pour the mixture into each jar, covering the beans completely but leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
Step Six
Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Once they’re cool, place them in the fridge. The beans will need to sit in the fridge for at least two days before consuming, in order for the flavors to truly meld together.
Step Seven
Enjoy your homemade Dilly Beans! They can be kept in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.
