Beans in jars for winter

Delicious Bean Jar Recipe for Winter

Get ready to bring the fresh taste of summer into the cold winter with this simple and effective recipe for canned beans. Preserving vegetables is an ancient tradition that has helped generations enjoy the garden's bounty throughout the cold seasons. This recipe will not only preserve the flavor and texture of the beans but will also add a touch of nostalgia, reminding you of family meals from your childhood.

Total preparation time: 1 hour (including preparation and sterilization)
Number of servings: 4 jars of 400-500 ml

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh green beans
- 1 liter cold water
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt (preferably non-iodized)
- 4 aspirin tablets (optional, for preservation)

Necessary utensils:
- Large pot for boiling
- Bowl for draining the beans
- Glass jars with lids
- Clean kitchen towel
- Slotted spoon or ladle for removing beans

Preparing the beans:

1. Cleaning the beans: Start by trimming the ends of the beans. Remove the left and right ends, then wash them thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities for the best quality.

2. Boiling the beans: In a large pot, bring water with a generous pinch of salt to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the beans and let them boil for 3-5 minutes. The goal is to keep them crunchy, so don't leave them on the heat too long. When ready, remove them with a slotted spoon into a bowl to cool.

Preparing the jars:

3. Sterilizing the jars: It's essential to have clean and sterilized jars to prevent contamination. Wash the jars with hot water, then let them drain upside down on a clean towel.

4. Filling the jars: Place the warm beans into the jars, being careful not to pack them tightly. Leave a little space at the top to allow for air expansion during the sterilization process.

Preparing the brine:

5. Mixing the brine: In a bowl, mix 1 liter of cold water with 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved. Pour this brine over the beans in the jars, ensuring they are fully covered.

6. Adding aspirin: On top of each jar, add a crushed aspirin tablet. This will help with preservation and keep the beans crunchy for a longer time.

Sterilizing the jars:

7. Wrapping and sterilizing: Secure the jar lids tightly and wrap each jar in paper to prevent breakage during sterilization. Place the jars in a large pot filled with cold water, up to ¾ the height of the jars. Cover with a clean towel and bring the water to a boil.

8. Sterilization time: Let the jars boil for 20-25 minutes, starting from when the water begins to boil. This process will ensure that the beans are properly preserved for winter.

9. Cooling the jars: After the sterilization time has elapsed, remove the jars with tongs and wrap them in a blanket to cool gradually. Once completely cooled, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the beans: Opt for fresh beans, preferably from your garden or the market, to ensure a more intense flavor.
- Aspirin-free version: If you prefer, you can omit the aspirin, but it's recommended to consume the beans sooner to avoid spoilage.
- Try with other vegetables: This preservation method can also be applied to other vegetables, such as carrots or cauliflower, for a variety of flavors in winter.

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g

Serving suggestions:
Canned beans can be used as a side dish for various meals, such as roasts or salads. They are also delicious when combined with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, adding a fresh and vibrant taste to winter meals.

Frequently asked questions:

- What to do if the jars do not seal properly? If you notice that the jars did not seal, you can repeat the sterilization process or consume them immediately.
- How long can I keep the beans in jars? Properly preserved beans can be kept for a year, but it's recommended to consume them within the first 6 months for the best flavor.
- Can I use frozen beans? Although the method works best with fresh beans, if you have frozen beans, they can be used, but they may not have the same texture.

Try this recipe and turn your winter into a culinary experience full of flavors and memories! I invite you to savor each opened jar and share these moments with your loved ones. Enjoy!