Introduction
This delightful green bean salad is a perfect addition to your winter kitchen preserves. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it can enhance your meals during the cold months when fresh vegetables might not be as accessible. The salad is not only a great side dish but also a wonderful way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
Ingredients
Green beans – 500 grams
Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Carrot – 1 medium, grated
Vinegar – 100 milliliters
Sugar – 1 tablespoon
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste
Oregano – 1 teaspoon
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Chili flakes – optional, to taste
Prep Time
Prep time for this salad is approximately 20 minutes. This includes washing and cutting the green beans, chopping the onion and garlic, and preparing all other ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 15 minutes, primarily for blanching the green beans. The total time from start to finish is about 35 minutes. This recipe yields about 4-5 jars of green bean salad, perfect for savoring across several meals.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparation of Green Beans
Wash and trim the ends of the green beans. Cut them into smaller pieces if desired, typically about 3-4 cm in length.
Blanching the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Do not overcook.
Cooling the Beans
Once the green beans are blanched, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes, then drain.
Preparing the Jars
Sterilize the glass jars and lids by boiling them in water for about 10 minutes. Allow them to air dry completely.
Layering the Ingredients
Place the cooled green beans in the sterilized jars, packing them tightly. Leave some space at the top for the other ingredients to be added.
Preparing the Brine
In a pot, combine water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil while stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
Pouring the Brine
Carefully pour the hot brine over the green beans in the jars, ensuring the beans are fully submerged. Leave about 1 cm of space at the top of the jars.
Adding Spices
Add your chosen spices (such as garlic, dill, and black peppercorns) to each jar for flavor enhancement.
Sealing the Jars
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue. Place the sterilized lids on top and seal them tightly.
Canning Process
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to ensure they are vacuum sealed.
Cooling and Storing
After processing, allow the jars to cool completely on a clean kitchen towel. Ensure that the lids have sealed properly. Store the jars in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Freshness of Ingredients
Use fresh, crisp green beans for the best flavor and texture in the salad.
Adjusting Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the amounts of salt and sugar in the brine according to your taste preferences.
Safety Precautions
Always check that the lids have sealed properly before storing. If the lid pops back, the jar has not sealed and should be refrigerated and consumed promptly.
Storage Duration
The canned green bean salad can typically be stored for several months in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within a few days.
