Savory. Salty. Piquant. Soy beans.
The only vegetable I lick my fingers for. Unapologetically.
This is a perfect appetizer for a small gathering and on the healthier side compared to chips and dips.
Edamame with Lime Ponzu
• Bag of frozen edamame in the pods, cooked or fresh
• Sesame oil (approx. 2 - 3 Tablespoons) • Lime ponzu (citrus flavored soy sauce found in the Asian section. Either lime or “citrus” flavor is fine.
• Fresh lime juice
• Coarse salt Besides being easy to fix, this is one of those recipes where exact amounts don’t matter.
Edamame (soy beans), are readily available in all major grocery stores. Begin with edamame in its non-edible pod. You can buy them frozen, pre-cooked or bagged fresh. I personally like the kind that comes frozen in a bag that’s meant to go straight into the microwave to steam. That’s my kind of easy.
Cook the edamame according to directions on the package. Place enough sesame oil in a sauté pan to cover the bottom of the pan and heat it until it’s very hot. Toss in the edamame and sauté. I love the charred flavor on the pods so char to your liking.
Splash lime flavored ponzu into the pan. Be generous. I add enough to make a glaze depending on how many pods I have sautéing. Add generous squeezes of fresh lime juice into the pan because ponzu loves company and the acidity of the lime juice will give the glaze an added zing.
When you can’t wait any longer to feel the nubby texture of the pods married with tang skid across your teeth and lips, place them into a bowl with their ebony glaze and sprinkle with coarse salt, Fleur de Sel or my favorite, lime sea-salt and experience munchy happiness.
An empty bowl for discarded pod shells that have served their purpose will be appreciated.
Accompany with an icy cold martini, Chardonnay or Japanese beer. One at a time, please. :)
Kanpai!
