Looking for a quick and delicious appetizer that will impress your guests? Look no further! Our Quick Pickled Bean or Asparagus Roll Up Appetizer is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a vibrant dish that combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with a tangy pickling brine. Perfect for parties or a light snack, these roll-ups are sure to be the star of your next gathering. Dive into this recipe and discover how to elevate your appetizer game!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Appetizer
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus or green beans
- 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Instructions
- Trim the ends of asparagus or green beans, cutting them to roughly uniform lengths that will fit easily in a roll-up.
- If using asparagus, blanch the vegetables briefly in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. For green beans, blanch for 3-4 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the blanched vegetables to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, sliced garlic clove, and black peppercorns. Bring the pickling liquid to a boil, stirring to ensure sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
- Remove the pickling liquid from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Drain the blanched vegetables and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Place the vegetables in a clean glass jar or container and pour the warm pickling liquid over them, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Allow the vegetables to pickle at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a more intense pickle flavor for 1-2 hours.
- When ready to serve, remove the pickled vegetables from the liquid and pat dry.
- Serve as a crisp, tangy appetizer or roll up in thin slices of prosciutto or soft cheese for an elegant presentation.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Produce: For the best flavor and texture, select fresh asparagus or green beans. Look for bright green, firm vegetables with no blemishes.
- Blanching Technique: Blanch the asparagus or green beans just until they are bright green and tender-crisp. This helps maintain their color and crunchiness.
- Ice Water Bath: Don’t skip the ice water bath! This crucial step halts the cooking process, ensuring your vegetables remain vibrant and crisp.
- Customize Your Pickle: Feel free to experiment with the pickling spices! Add red pepper flakes for heat, or dill for a classic flavor twist.
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time allows, refrigerate the pickled vegetables for a couple of hours or even overnight for a more robust flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Roll the pickled vegetables in thin slices of prosciutto or wrap them in soft cheese for an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress.
- Storage: Leftover pickled veggies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead option for your next event.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 30kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg