Dilly Beans

These Dilly Beans are a delightful snack to have on hand! They are perfect for when you are craving something crunchy and salty and they also happen to be very low in calories (which I think is a nice bonus!). You might also be surprised to find out that pickled green beans are quite easy to make. The beans are pickled in a brine made from salt, water, vinegar and optional red pepper flakes. For flavor, sliced garlic and fresh dill are sandwiched in between the beans before the brine is added and they are processed in a water bath canning set-up. What I love most about this recipe is it is the perfect way to enjoy delicious summer produce year-round.

A BIG THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

For today’s sponsor, I would like to give a big shoutout to the makers of Ball® home canning products! I am a huge supporter of the brand and highly recommend their products for so many reasons. First, I literally use their jars and lids every single day in my home and in my kitchen. Secondly, their products are the only ones I use when I want to can produce. I am quite literally obsessed with any wide mouth jar Ball® offers. In addition to canning, they are easy to use for storage and lovely to use for drinking. For today’s recipe, I will be using their Wide Mouth 16 oz. Pint Jars. To get your own set, tap the link here!

LET’S TALK ABOUT WATER BATH CANNING

Before I show you how to make these dilly beans, I want to talk a little bit more about water bath canning. Check out this excerpt from Ball®’s website which explains it perfectly:

A lower-temperature canning process, water bath canning is ideal for high-acid foods and recipes that incorporate the correct measure of acid. The combination of time and temperature destroys mold, yeast, and enzymes that cause spoilage while creating a vacuum seal.

DON’T BE OVERWHELMED

Now I know that a process like this may seem overwhelming at first but, from personal experience, I can honestly say that after you do it once- it becomes much easier! I also think that because this recipe is so simple, it’s a great starting point. Check out this post and watch the video to help you understand the process.

TIPS FOR CANNING THE DILLY BEANS

Working in a clean environment is crucial for canning. The jars need to be sterilized and the lids need to be washed with hot, soapy water. To prep the green beans, you’ll want to clean them well and cut them to about 4 inches in length. I like to measure one and then use that as a guide to cut multiples at a time. Then you’ll slice the garlic, rinse the dill, gather the vinegar, water, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) and set up a station for canning. I like to use a big wooden cutting board, a clean towel, and I always get in the habit of only using wooden or plastic utensils during the process as you want to avoid using metal with the glass jars. I highly recommend having everything laid out and ready to go as this will make the process smoother.

PROCESSING THE DILLY BEANS

The process for making these is quite simple. You’ll make the brine, pack the jars, pour the brine over top, add the lids and then you will process the jars. This will seal them and make them shelf stable. (Here is a great link to check out if you are new to the process). Once done, you will let the jars cool for 12-24 hours before enjoying. You can then eat them on their own or add them to an appetizer board, chop them up and throw them into salads, or gift them to friends and family! I personally love to have them as a snack.

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post that is part of an ongoing partnership with the Fresh Preserving Division of Newell Brands. They have provided jars, equipment and monetary compensation. All thoughts and opinions expressed remain my own.