Green beans for freezing

Green Beans for Freezing: A Step-by-Step Guide to Keeping Summer on Your Plate

The warm summer season brings us an abundance of fresh vegetables, and one of the most beloved and versatile vegetables is green beans. In addition to being delicious, green beans are also packed with nutrients, making them an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. In this recipe, I will show you how to freeze green beans so that you can enjoy them even in the cold months, accompanied by other vegetables to add a splash of color and flavor to your dishes.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Freezing time: 1-2 hours
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: Depends on the amount of frozen beans (approximately 1 kg for a family)

Ingredients

- 1 kg fresh green beans
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tomato (optional)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably a colored one)
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- A handful of celery leaves
- Thyme and dill (optional, but recommended for flavor)

Tools

- A pair of scissors for cutting the beans
- A large pot for boiling
- A colander or slotted spoon for draining
- Ziplock bags for freezing
- A marker or labels to note the date

A Brief History

Freezing vegetables is a traditional technique that allows us to preserve freshness and nutrients, being a practical method to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. This process was first developed in the 1920s and has evolved over time, becoming an essential practice in modern households.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Beans: Start by washing the green beans well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities or damaged parts. Then, trim the ends of the beans, and if you wish, you can cut the beans into smaller pieces, about 4-5 cm long. This can easily be done with scissors, saving time and effort.

2. Boiling: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add a tablespoon of salt. It is important to boil the beans only halfway to keep their crunchy texture. Boil the beans for about 3-4 minutes, then remove them from the water using a colander or slotted spoon. Do not cook them completely, as they will continue to cook during freezing.

3. Cooling: Transfer the boiled beans to a bowl of cold water or ice to stop the cooking process. Let them sit in the cold water for 5-10 minutes. Then, remove the beans from the water and let them drain well.

4. Adding Vegetables: In this step, you can add the other vegetables you desire. Cut the tomato, bell pepper, and hot pepper into small cubes, and slice the parsley and celery into strips. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl so that the flavors combine.

5. Packing: Start packing the bean and vegetable mixture into ziplock bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them. This will help prevent freezer burn. In each bag, note the date so you know how long they have been frozen.

6. Freezing: Place the bags in the freezer, preferably on the bottom shelf designated for vegetables. They will be ready to use whenever you want to bring a touch of summer to your plate.

Useful Tips

- Additional Vegetables: Adding vegetables such as carrots or peas can transform the dish into a delicious mix. Be creative!
- Use in Dishes: Frozen green beans are ideal for soups, stews, or as a side dish. You can also use them in salads, adding them directly from the freezer.
- Nutritional Values: Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, containing only 31 calories per 100 g. They are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long can I keep frozen green beans? Usually, 8-12 months is the optimal period to maintain quality.
- Can I freeze green beans without boiling them? It is not recommended, as this can lead to loss of texture and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

To enjoy frozen green beans, thawing can be done directly in a pan with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and lemon. This dish can be served as a side to meats or on a bed of rice, adding color and health to your meals.

In conclusion, freezing green beans is a simple and effective method to enjoy your favorite vegetables all year round. So, the next time you enjoy a bountiful harvest, don’t hesitate to set aside a few portions of green beans for the colder days. Keep summer on your plate and enjoy the health and flavor these vegetables offer!