Ingredients and Weight:
- Green Beans: 500 grams (1.1 pounds)
- Pickling Spices: 1 tablespoon (or according to preference)
- Salt: 2 teaspoons
- Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar: 1/2 cup
- Water: 1 cup
- Oil: 2 tablespoons (for blanching)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes (includes blanching and pickling)
- Total: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty, requires attention to pickling and blanching techniques)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare the green beans by trimming the ends and washing thoroughly.
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water with a teaspoon of salt and oil for about 3-4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Then, immediately transfer to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and set the color.
- In a small saucepan, bring vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and pickling spices to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool completely.
- Arrange the green beans in a container or serving dish. Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the beans, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or as part of an appetizer spread.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
- Calories: 80-100 kcal (depending on added spices and quantity)
- Fat: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g (including sugar from pickling)
- Protein: 3-4g
- Fiber: 4-5g (from green beans)
Dish Characteristics:
- Crispy yet tender green beans with a sour and salty pickled flavor. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or appetizer with its unique blend of flavors. The dish showcases the natural color and texture of green beans while highlighting the traditional flavors of pickles in an American setting.
User Comments:
- "These pickled green beans were a refreshing change from traditional pickled cucumbers or spears. The sourness balanced well with the crisp texture of the beans." - John Doe, California, USA.
- "I loved how simple yet flavorful this dish was. It was perfect as a side to my grilled salmon." - Jane Smith, New York, USA.
- "The pickling spices gave this dish a unique flavor profile that my family really enjoyed." - Michael Johnson, Texas, USA.
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to use fresh green beans for best results. Avoid using canned or frozen beans for this recipe as they won't have the same texture or flavor profile.
- Adjust the pickling spices according to your preference or based on what you have on hand. You can experiment with different combinations for a unique flavor profile each time you make this dish.
