Ball Canning Dilly Beans Recipe

3 min read 25-02-2025

Ball Canning Dilly Beans Recipe

Are you ready to transform your garden's bounty (or your farmer's market haul) into jars of delicious, crunchy dill beans? This Ball canning dilly beans recipe is perfect for preserving summer's freshness and enjoying that satisfying crunch all year round. Whether you're a seasoned canning expert or a beginner looking for easy recipes and healthy meals, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking and create a pantry staple that's bursting with flavor!

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
  • 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup pickling salt
  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard seeds
  • 2 tablespoons celery seeds
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon dill seeds
  • 4-6 fresh dill sprigs per jar (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • 7 half-pint mason jars with lids and bands

Equipment:

  • Large stockpot
  • Jar lifter
  • Canning funnel
  • Bubble remover tool
  • Large saucepan
  • Water bath canner

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Wash and trim your green beans, removing any ends or damaged sections. Snap them into 2-3 inch pieces. For extra crisp dilly beans, consider blanching them for a minute or two in boiling water before packing them into jars. This helps retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Brine

In a large saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, and pickling salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the salt dissolves completely. This brine is the heart of your dilly beans' flavor.

Step 3: Pack the Jars

Place a few crushed garlic cloves, mustard seeds, celery seeds, peppercorns, and dill seeds into the bottom of each clean mason jar. Add a couple of fresh dill sprigs if using. Pack the jars tightly with the prepared green beans, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace at the top of each jar.

Step 4: Pour the Brine

Carefully pour the boiling brine over the green beans in each jar, leaving that crucial 1/2-inch headspace. Use a bubble remover tool to dislodge any trapped air bubbles. Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth.

Step 5: Seal the Jars

Place the lids on the jars, followed by the bands. Tighten the bands fingertip-tight – don't over-tighten!

Step 6: Process in a Water Bath

Place the jars in your water bath canner, ensuring they are covered by at least 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then process the jars for 10 minutes (for half-pint jars). Always adjust processing time based on altitude – consult your Ball canning guide for specific instructions for your elevation.

Step 7: Cool and Check Seals

Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter and place them on a towel-lined surface. Let them cool completely undisturbed for at least 12 hours. You should hear a satisfying "pop" sound as the jars seal. Check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid; if it doesn't flex, it's sealed!

Tips and Variations:

  • For a spicier kick, add a few slices of red pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to each jar.
  • Experiment with other herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or bay leaves.
  • If you don't have fresh dill, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of dried dill per jar.
  • Always use a reliable recipe and follow safe canning practices to ensure the safety of your preserved foods.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

Serving size will depend on jar size but generally provides low calories, high fiber, and vitamin content. Nutritional information varies based on specific ingredients and quantities.

This Ball canning dilly beans recipe is a delicious and rewarding way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round. Happy canning!

Popular Posts