Go Back
–+ servings
Old Fashioned Pickled Beans Copycat Recipe

Old Fashioned Pickled Beans Recipe

Old fashioned pickled beans recipe is an old-time favorite that’s been around for generations. This classic side dish is a delicious way to enjoy beans that have been pickled with a variety of spices, herbs, and other ingredients.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Canning
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Canning Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 65kcal

Equipment

  • jar

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of premium canning salt
  • 5 cups of choice white vinegar or artisanal apple cider vinegar
  • 4 pounds of freshly harvested string beans
  • 8 cloves of pungent garlic divided
  • 2 teaspoons of fiery red pepper flakes divided
  • 5 cups of meticulously filtered water
  • 16 teaspoons of aromatic dried dill seeds or 8 heads of fragrant dill divided

Instructions

STEP 1 – Prepare the Beans:

  • Wash the string beans thoroughly and trim off both ends. Cut them into lengths that fit the height of your canning jars.

STEP 2 – Sterilize Jars:

  • Wash the canning jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Keep them hot until ready to use.

STEP 3 – Make the Brine:

  • In a large pot, combine the vinegar, water, and canning salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt completely. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer while you prepare the jars.

STEP 4 – Prepare Flavorings:

  • Divide the garlic cloves, dill seeds or heads, and red pepper flakes equally among the sterilized jars. Place 1 clove of garlic, 2 teaspoons of dill seeds or 1 head of dill, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes in each jar.

STEP 5 – Pack the Jars:

  • Pack the trimmed beans tightly into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.

STEP 6 – Fill with Brine:

  • Carefully pour the hot brine over the beans in each jar, maintaining the 1/2 inch of headspace. Ensure the beans are fully submerged in the brine. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar.

STEP 7 – Remove Air Bubbles:

  • Slide a non-metallic utensil (like a chopstick or plastic spatula) down the sides of the jars to release any air bubbles trapped within the beans and brine.

STEP 8 – Seal and Process:

  • Wipe the jar rims clean and place the sterilized lids on top, sealing them tightly. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are completely submerged.

STEP 9 – Cool and Store:

  • Carefully remove the jars from the water bath using jar lifters and place them on a towel-lined countertop. Allow the jars to cool completely, checking that the lids have sealed properly (you should hear a popping sound as they cool and the lids become concave).

STEP 10 – Enjoy:

  • Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before consuming to allow the flavors to meld. Once opened, store the pickled beans in the refrigerator.

STEP 11 – Serve:

  • Serve these delicious pickled beans as a tangy and flavorful addition to salads, sandwiches, or enjoy them as a standalone snack!

Notes

  • Make sure to use fresh beans for the best flavor.
  • If you want a spicier pickled beans recipe, you can add more spices and herbs to the pickling solution.
  • You can adjust the ratio of vinegar and water in the pickling solution depending on your personal preference.
  • If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar instead.
  • If you don’t have sugar, you can use honey instead.
  • If you don’t have sea salt, you can use regular table salt instead.
Keyword: Old Fashioned Pickled Beans Recipe