Deep South Dilly Beans


Just when I thought I had seen and tried it all, this week I saw the light. The coupon-clipping light.

It's true.  I clipped, I planned, I even made a list... and I saved.

Oh boy, did I save. And now I'm hooked.

Not hooked in the way that I'll carry around a five-pound coupon binder, price checking every item as I stroll down the aisles. Or, in the way that I'll dive in your dumpster looking for extra Sunday Circulars...

well not yet, at least.

But, after seeing just how significant the savings can be for my own family, and to be able to give quite a bit to charity, too... this coupon clipper is here to stay.


So, what does coupon clipping have to do with canning?

A lot. By taking advantage of your resources when they are the most cost-effective and flavorful, you're not only being a good steward of your money, but you're also ensuring healthier, fresher meals all year round.  Because let's face it, couponing doesn't often cover the "good" stuff like fresh meats and produce.

But canning... can.

I'll admit was a little intimidated by it all. But luckily, a few weeks back I made a dessert in a jar, so now I own some. I just didn't know what to do with them.  So I asked my friend Kristin from Motley Crops if she had any ideas, and she gave me this recipe.

Kristin runs my favorite produce/flower stand at the local Farmers Market. And each week I delight in trying new and beautiful produce like pea shoots, garlic scapes, and beet greens. So, when she sent over this recipe for Dilly Beans, I knew it was going to be a winner. And it is.

First off, I adore green beans. And when mixed with one of my all-time favorite herbs, dill... well, I'm in heaven. Then add some mustard, garlic and a bit of heat... all blended with vinegar for a well-rounded tang.  Wow, could this recipe get any better?

I can see these Dilly Beans on a green salad with bacon and hard-boiled eggs. Chopped up in a chicken salad to add some crunch. Eaten straight out of the jar for a low carb and healthy snack. Or as Kristin mentioned, as a perfect addition to a Bloody Mary...

I'll take two, please.


Deep South Dilly Beans

1) Wash and flash steam green beans. Then pack into hot sterilized jars.

2) To each jar add:
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 heads dill (2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
3) Make a brine by boiling 2 cups water, 2 cups vinegar and 1/4 cup salt. Add to jars to cover beans completely.

4) Check to make sure the seal on the jars is completely dry and add lids. The lids will seal as they cool.  These are best eaten after at least 2-3 weeks to let the flavors meld.

Note: Please refer to the USDA Canning Guidelines for more information about safe canning practices. I am not a canning expert and am simply passing on a traditional recipe.

Comments

  1. I love these kind of beans and will serve them often with olives and such as an appetizer when I'm entertaining. Until now I've always bought them. Now I can make some and it will be even better!

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    1. Oh, I love that idea! These would be perfect with a cheese and meat platter as well. I hope you give them a try- they are so simple!

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  2. I just received a ton of green beans in my CSA this week. I've been wondering how we can eat them all but now I want to try them in this recipe. I think canned green beans would be delicious.

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    1. Perfect!!! You can fit a lot of beans into one jar even! Hope you enjoy :-)

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  3. I was in New Orleans recently, drinking Bloody Marys, as you do, and at one nice cafe´ they put in pickled green beans instead of celery. Well, I about died and went to heaven. So that's where I see these being used at my house. Thank you!

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    1. I had never heard of that before Kristin mentioned it, and I'm even more excited to give them a try... break out the Bloody Marys!!! ;-)

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  4. I will eat green beans any way I can get them. I LOVE this recipe!

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    1. Awesome Jen!!! And I think this should be your first real canning recipe. It was mine, and it was WAY easier than I feared ;-)

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  5. Wow! You've made canning do-able, Diana. As a fellow green bean fan, I am also further encouraged by the beans without oil but plenty of flavor. Great job! If you hadn't said it, I'd never have known this was your virgin voyage into canning =)

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    1. Thank you Kim! I also love that there is no oil, and I've seen so much research lately how vinegars are so good for you!! And yes, first time. Love how this group has inspired and encouraged me to try new things :-)

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  6. I just started coupon clipping. It's hard at first, but once you get organized, it's okay. I love the savings. These dilly beans look amazing!

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    1. Thanks Jennie! And yes, there is a lot to coupon clipping, but since I love math and puzzles, I really enjoy it! And you're right on the savings!!! :-)

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  7. I love green beans too, Di! I've never had them with dill before and now my mouth is watering just thinking about these. Would it be weird if I kept jars of this in my desk at work and snuck green beans throughout the day? I don't think so!

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    1. Awesome, Nancy! I hope you give then a shot... as they would be a perfect snack to much on while at work!! :-)

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