![To make dilled string beans, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound fresh string beans, trimmed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish) - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste Fresh string beans are low in calories and high in fiber. They support digestion and keep you full. They also provide vitamins A, C, and K. Garlic adds flavor and may help lower blood pressure. Olive oil brings healthy fats, which are great for your heart. Lemon juice brightens the dish and adds vitamin C. Dill has antioxidants that can help with digestion and reduce inflammation. When you choose string beans, look for bright green color. They should be firm and crisp. Avoid any that have brown spots or are wilted. If you can, smell them. Fresh string beans should have a sweet, grassy scent. Buy them when they are in season for the best taste. For the best flavor, try to use them within a few days of buying. To make dilled string beans, start with fresh and crisp string beans. Trim the ends to remove any tough parts. You will need a large pot for boiling, a bowl for ice water, and a skillet for cooking. Gather all your ingredients and tools before you begin. This makes the process smooth and fun. 1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Turn the heat on high and wait for it to boil. 2. Blanch Beans: When the water is boiling, add your trimmed string beans. Cook them for 3-4 minutes. You want them bright green and just tender. 3. Ice Bath: After blanching, drain the beans right away. Quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking. Once they are cool, drain them again. 4. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. 5. Heat the Beans: Add the blanched string beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic oil for 2-3 minutes until they are warm. 6. Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix it well. 7. Dress the Beans: Pour the lemon-dill dressing over the string beans. Toss them to coat evenly. Cook for 1 more minute. 8. Final Steps: Remove the skillet from heat. Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if needed. Transfer the dilled string beans to a serving dish. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some extra fresh dill on top. This adds color and flavor. Your dilled string beans are now ready to enjoy. Follow the full recipe for even more details and tips! Blanching string beans helps keep their bright color and crisp texture. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water; this adds flavor. Once boiling, drop in the string beans. Blanch them for 3-4 minutes. They should look bright green and slightly tender. After blanching, quickly move the beans to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking. It also locks in their color. Drain the beans once cool. This method gives you the best results. You can easily adjust the flavor of your dilled string beans. Add more lemon juice for a tangy kick. If you love garlic, increase the minced garlic to three cloves. For a spicy twist, try adding red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs can also enhance the dish. Consider adding parsley or chives along with dill. Experiment with different mustards too. A whole grain mustard gives a nice texture. You can also use honey mustard for sweetness. These simple tweaks can create a unique flavor profile. Avoid overcooking the string beans during blanching. They should stay bright green and crisp. If they turn dull, they will lose flavor. Another mistake is skipping the ice bath. This step is crucial for stopping the cooking process. Be careful not to drown the string beans in dressing. You want them coated, not swimming. Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning. A pinch of salt or extra dill can make a big difference. For the complete recipe, follow the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy making these delightful dilled string beans! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your dilled string beans easily. Try using fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dill. Each herb gives a unique taste. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. You can also use lemon thyme for a citrusy twist. Experimenting with different flavors can make the dish new each time. You can cook string beans in different ways. Roasting gives them a nice, crispy texture. To roast, toss the beans with olive oil and seasoning. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method enhances their natural sweetness. Sautéing is quick and keeps them tender. Just heat oil in a pan and cook the blanched beans for a few minutes. Choose the method based on the texture you enjoy most. Dilled string beans make a great side dish. Serve them with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. You can also add them to a salad for extra crunch. Try pairing them with quinoa or rice for a heartier option. For special occasions, place the beans on a platter and sprinkle with extra dill. This makes the dish look appealing and fresh. Explore these ideas to enjoy your dilled string beans in various ways! To keep your dilled string beans fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the beans in the container and seal it tightly. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. Freezing dilled string beans is simple. Start by blanching them as you did in the recipe. After cooling the beans in ice water, drain them well. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. This step helps keep them from sticking together. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer the beans to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay frozen for up to six months. When you are ready to enjoy your frozen string beans, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or sauté them in a skillet. For the microwave, place them in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover and heat for one to two minutes. If you use a skillet, add a little olive oil and heat over medium for about three to four minutes. This method helps keep their crispness and flavor intact. Enjoy your tasty dilled string beans again! To prepare string beans, I recommend blanching. First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the string beans and cook for 3-4 minutes. This keeps them bright green and crisp. After that, plunge them into ice water. This stops the cooking and helps retain color. Finally, drain them well and they are ready to use. This method gives you a nice texture and flavor. Yes, you can make dilled string beans ahead of time. Prepare the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, just reheat gently in a skillet. This dish tastes great even after a day or two. The flavors continue to meld, making it even more tasty. Dill and string beans offer many health benefits. String beans are low in calories and high in fiber. They also provide vitamins A, C, and K. Dill has antioxidants and may help with digestion. It can add flavor without extra calories or salt. Together, they make a healthy, tasty side dish. Enjoying dilled string beans is a smart choice for your meals. In this blog post, we explored making dilled string beans. We covered key ingredients, their benefits, and tips for fresh selection. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and flavor enhancements. We discussed best practices for blanching and common mistakes to avoid. Variations offered creative twists while storage tips ensured you enjoy leftovers. Dilled string beans can be a healthy, tasty side for any meal. Try these tips, and you’ll impress everyone at the table!](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/46b232e9-760f-4ead-9b74-a9fe605cdf72-300x300.webp)
Dilled String Beans
Discover the vibrant flavors of zesty dilled string beans with this quick and easy recipe! Perfect as a side dish, these fresh string beans are blanched and tossed in a zesty lemon-dill dressing that elevates any meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful dish that’s both refreshing and healthy. Click through to explore this recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your table!