Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fiery Marinated Green and Wax Beans?
They are zesty pickled beans that serve as a spicy and tangy complement to meals and cocktails.
What makes these beans fiery?
The spice comes from a combination of crushed red pepper flakes and black peppercorns in the marinade.
How should I serve these pickled beans?
They are ideal for snacking, as a condiment, or as a unique twist on party platters.
Are these beans good for cocktails?
Yes, they are specifically recommended as a perfect garnish for Bloody Marys.
What types of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 lb of green beans and 1/2 lb of wax beans.
How long should I blanch the beans?
The beans should be cooked in boiling water for 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
Why is an ice bath necessary for the beans?
The ice bath stops the cooking process immediately to ensure the beans stay vibrant and crisp.
What kind of vinegar is used in the marinade?
The marinade uses a mix of 1 1/4 cups of red wine vinegar and 1/2 cup of cider vinegar.
Does this recipe contain alcohol?
Yes, the marinade includes 1/2 cup of vodka.
How much sugar is in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar to balance the acidity and spice.
What seeds are used for flavoring?
The marinade includes mustard seeds and fennel seeds.
How long do the beans need to marinate?
The beans should be refrigerated for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I store these beans long-term?
Yes, by processing them in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, you can seal them for longer storage.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
These marinated beans contain 0g of fat.
How much protein is in the beans?
Each serving provides about 0.625g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 4 whole garlic cloves.
Do I need to use fresh herbs?
Yes, the recipe calls for 4 fresh dill sprigs for optimal flavor.
Should I remove the bay leaves?
If you are canning the beans, you should remove the bay leaves before packing them into jars.
How much salt is needed for the boiling water?
Use 1 tablespoon of salt in 2 quarts of water to blanch the beans.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients used to make these fiery marinated beans.
Is this a prize-winning recipe?
Yes, these beans won a blue ribbon at a local state fair.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, you can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes between 1 and 2 teaspoons to taste.
What texture should the beans have?
The finished beans should have a crisp texture.
How long do I boil the marinade?
Bring it to a boil and stir for about 1 minute until the sugar dissolves.
What jar size is recommended for preservation?
The recipe suggests packing the beans into pint-sized jars for canning.
Should the beans be fully submerged?
Yes, ensure the beans are fully submerged in the marinade while refrigerating.
Is the marinade poured hot or cold?
The marinade should be cooled slightly but poured while warm over the beans.
Can I use only green beans?
Yes, though using both green and wax beans provides a vibrant color contrast.