Bean Relish
A tangy and savory bean relish featuring green beans, pickling spices, and onions, perfect as a side or snack for picnics and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the green beans and reserve the liquid.
- Mix the reserved liquid with vinegar, sugar, dill seed, pickling spices, and salt; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cover; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the drained beans and heat through.
- Cool the mixture and drain excess liquid.
- Toss with chopped onion and cooking oil.
- Cover and chill overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a zesty twist, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture for heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar. Additionally, fresh dill can be used instead of dill seed for a more vibrant taste. Be sure to taste and adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bean relish as a tangy side dish alongside grilled meats or as a unique topping for sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Country Chili for a hearty meal. You can also enjoy it with crackers as an appetizer or incorporate it into a salad for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bean relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat while stirring occasionally, or you can microwave it in short bursts, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Relish contains roughly 144 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 526mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans! Blanch them briefly in boiling water, then cool them in ice water before adding them to the relish. This will give you a crunchy texture while still absorbing the flavors of the dressing.
How long does this bean relish keep in the fridge?
The bean relish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen over time, making it even tastier after a day or two.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is inherently vegan! All the ingredients used are plant-based, making it a perfect addition to any vegan meal plan. Serve it alongside your favorite vegan recipes for a nutritious and flavorful dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).