Dilly Beans

My garden veggies have really ramped up and I was looking for something new to do with my plentiful supply of green beans. I liked my pickled beets so much at that decided to try pickled dilly beans. They were easy and tasty.

Why should you eat green beans? Let me tell you a few reasons:

• They are high in iron — better than spinach
• They are great for your hair, skin and nails because they are loaded with silicon
• They can act like a diuretic which can help your body detox from unwanted toxins in the body
• They contain antioxidants which help with heart health and boosts your immunity
• Vitamins and minerals contained in beans help with eye health

Here is how to make your very own dilly beans in a very short period of time.

INGREDIENTS

Beans (use as many as you would like to use — I made one jar)

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

About 2 tsp. garlic

2 tsp. sugar (organic)

1 tsp. salt

Pinch or two of red pepper flakes (optional)

About 1 tbsp. of pickling spice

Fresh dill

A few slices of onion

PROCEDURE

1. Clean your beans, removing the stem end.
2. Get a large pot of water boiling. Prepare an ice bath.
3. We measured our beans to see how much to blanch by putting them in the jar first. That way you blanch just the right amount of beans.
4. Once boiling, blanch beans for about 30 seconds. Remove from heat, drain, and place in ice water.
5. Pour some boiling water in to the jar(s) you plan to use to sterilize them.
6. Let beans and jar cool.
7. Make the brine by bringing to a boil the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, and pickling spice. Let cool.
8. Stuff the beans into the jar along with some onions and the dill. Pour the brine solution over the beans.
9. Add a lid and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 days. They will keep for several weeks.

I hope you find that these beans are a nice addition to a meal or picnic. They might be a good way to get kids to try this veggie too!