4 Ways to Freeze Green Beans

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

You can find fresh green beans at the market in the summer, but for a little while. If your family likes the taste of these summer vegetables, you can freeze them for later use. It's easy to make at home, and gives you the ability to control the quality of the food your family consumes. Read this guide to learn how to freeze green beans and also for some delicious recipes to enjoy.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Freeze the Green Beans

Step 1. Collect green beans in the garden or buy them at the market

• Use only green beans that are not damaged. Try to get the ones that don't have small seeds inside them. Even if they don't change the taste, it means they are old.

  

• Use as fresh green beans as possible. Freeze them the same day you pick them in the garden or as soon as possible if you buy them. If you can't freeze them right away, put them in the fridge.

  

Step 2. Wash the green beans thoroughly

Step 3. Clean the green beans

• Use a sharp knife to trim the ends. If they have any stains or scratches, pull them off with the knife.

  

• Cut the green beans to the size of your choice. You can leave them whole, or cut them into small pieces.

  

Step 4. Prepare the pots

• Boil a large pot of water. Leave room for the green beans. Putting the lid on the pot boils the water faster and saves energy.

  

• Fill a second bowl with water and ice.

  

Step 5. Blanch the green beans in hot water for 3 minutes

• This process removes the enzymes that spoil the quality.

  

• Do not leave them in hot water for too long or they will overcook.

  

Step 6. Put the green beans in cold water

• Use a skimmer to move them from one bowl to another.

  

• Add more ice as needed.

  

• Leave them to soak for at least 3 minutes.

  

Step 7. Drain the green beans

• It is important to eliminate as much moisture as possible. Otherwise, ice crystals may form in the freezer, which will spoil the flavor.

  

• Use kitchen paper or a tea towel to dry them.

  

Step 8. Divide the green beans

• Use freezer bags with a built-in zip or if you have one, use a vacuum sealer.

  

• Add enough for a full meal in each bag. In this way you will defrost the right amount you need and not the entire litter box. A coarse measure can be a handful of green beans per person.

  

• Close the bags tightly. Insert a straw into the space you left. Suck all the excess air through the straw. Seal the bag once you have removed it.

  

• Put a label with the freezing date.

  

Step 9. Freeze the green beans

• Divide the green beans into bags so they are as flat as possible. This way they will freeze quickly and retain their flavor.
• Frozen green beans can be stored for 9 months in the freezer.

Method 2 of 4: Roasted Green Beans

Step 1. Heat the oven to 200 ° C

Step 2. Remove the green beans from the freezer

Open the bag and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Some may have stuck in the freezer - separate them as you can using your fingers and a fork.

Step 3. Sprinkle the green beans with oil

Olive, sesame, peanut or grapeseed oil are all great choices.

Step 4. Season them with salt and pepper

Add other seasonings if you like, such as cayenne pepper, cumin, chilli, garlic powder, oregano, or other spices you like to combine with vegetables. Turn the green beans well to season them evenly.

Step 5. Place the green beans in the oven

Cook them for ten minutes, then take them out of the oven and use a spatula to flip them. Return them to the oven and cook until golden and crispy, for about another 5 minutes.

Step 6. Remove the green beans from the oven

Add other toppings or, if you prefer, some grated cheese. Serve them hot.

Method 3 of 4: Stir-fried Green Beans

Step 1. Remove the green beans from the freezer

Open the bag and pour them into a bowl. Use a wooden spoon to separate any that have stuck together.

Step 2. Pour a little oil into a pan and put it over medium-high heat

Heat the oil.

Step 3. Place the green beans in the pan

Turn them using a wooden spoon until they are well covered in oil. They will begin to thaw and lose water. Cook them until the water has evaporated completely.

Step 4. Season the green beans with salt and pepper

Add other seasonings like garlic, fresh ginger, lemon zest, and chili for extra flavor.

Step 5. Skip the green beans until lightly browned and crunchy

Remove them from the heat before they go mushy.

Step 6. Pour them into a bowl

Serve them as a hot side dish, or add them to spinach and other green vegetables for a nice contrast of textures.

Method 4 of 4: Battered and Fried Green Beans

Step 1. Remove the green beans from the freezer

Open the bag and pour them into a colander with a bowl underneath. Let them thaw completely.

Step 2. Dab the green beans with kitchen paper

If they are too moist when cooked they will be mushy.

Step 3. In a bowl, pour one cup of beer, one cup of flour, half a teaspoon of salt and half of pepper

Use a whisk to mix everything and get a smooth batter.

Step 4. Pour a few inches of frying oil into a large skillet and turn on the stove over medium heat

Heat it to the right temperature for frying. To see if it is ready, dip the handle of a wooden spoon: when bubbles form around it, the oil is ready.

Do not use olive oil for frying, it spoils when brought to high temperatures. Peanut, vegetable or canola oil are great alternatives

Step 5. Put the batter in a large freezer bag

Put the green beans in. Close and shake well.

Step 6. Use a pair of tongs to transfer the green beans mixed in the boiling oil

Fill the pan until you have an even layer of green beans.

• Don't overfill the pan, or the green beans will be soggy.

  

• Do not stack the green beans.

  

Step 7. Cook them until golden and crunchy

Remove them from the pot with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate covered with napkins to dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve hot.