Ingredients

3 cups cider vinegar 

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt 

1 1/2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds 

3/4 teaspoon whole fennel seeds 

3 dried bay leaves 

2 small bulbs fennel, cut into 3/4-inch wedges, and 6 small carrots, peeled and cut into 3-by-1/2-inch matchsticks (or substitute 1 1/4 pounds trimmed green beans for the fennel and carrots) 

Preparation

Stir together vinegar, sugar, salt, coriander, fennel, and bay leaves in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Stir in green beans or fennel and carrots. Remove from heat; let cool completely. Cover, and refrigerate at least overnight or up to 1 week.