Are you ready to ditch the store-bought pickles and embark on a culinary adventure? This recipe for refrigerator dill pickles – also known as quick dill pickles – is incredibly easy, unbelievably delicious, and perfect for satisfying those crunchy, tangy cravings. Forget lengthy canning processes; these dilly beans are ready in just a few days, making them the ideal homemade treat for even the busiest cooks. Get ready to experience the burst of fresh dill, garlic, and spicy pepper in every bite! This recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals achievable with homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea, perfect as a tasty side or a satisfying snack. Let's dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, loosely packed
- 1-2 small red chili peppers, sliced (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Instructions:
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Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim the ends of the fresh green beans. You can snap them in half or leave them whole, depending on your preference. For a visually appealing jar, consider keeping them mostly uniform in size.
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Pack the Jar: Pack the prepared green beans tightly into a clean, sterilized quart-sized jar. Add the smashed garlic cloves, fresh dill, and sliced red chili peppers (if using) amongst the beans. Scatter the peppercorns evenly throughout the jar.
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Prepare the Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the salt is completely dissolved. This step creates the perfect brine solution to preserve and flavor your pickles.
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Pour and Seal: Carefully pour the hot brine over the green beans in the jar, ensuring the beans are fully submerged. Leave about half an inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rim of the jar clean and seal it tightly with a lid.
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Refrigerate and Wait: Refrigerate the jar for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer they sit (up to 2 weeks), the more intense the flavor will become. You'll be surprised how quickly these dilly beans absorb the delicious brine!
Tips for the Best Dilly Beans:
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Sterilize your jar: For optimal preservation, sterilize your jar by washing it thoroughly in hot, soapy water and then rinsing it well. You can also run it through the dishwasher.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh dill and garlic make all the difference in the flavor of your pickles. The fresher the ingredients, the better the result!
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Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. If you're not a fan of heat, you can omit them altogether.
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Experiment with variations: Try adding other herbs and spices, such as mustard seeds, coriander seeds, or celery seeds, for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 20-30
- Fat: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-7g
- Protein: Approximately 1g
- Sodium: High (due to the brine)
This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both healthy and easy to make. These refrigerator dilly beans are a perfect addition to any meal, making them an excellent choice for quick dinner ideas or a tasty snack. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and zesty flavor of these homemade pickles! They're sure to become a favorite amongst your family and friends. These homemade pickles easily become a staple in your refrigerator, showcasing the best recipes for simple yet flavorful food. Enjoy!