This is another one of those snacks that is unbelievably good and good for you. If you are too busy being a Samurai to pay any attention to health benefits, you don’t need to know that these fuzzy fresh soybeans are full of protein, fiber, calcium and vitamins A, C plus Iron.
If you are a Samurai, you already know that this traditional Japanese snack is often served with chilled beer or iced barley tea and that you can buy them on branches late spring through summer at your local market (if you happen to be in Japan).
Not an ancient Japanese warrior? (Neither am I, but I love Zatoichi movies… he’s the blind swordsman that always gets the best of the bad guys) You can still enjoy these beans. On occasion you can find Edamame (pronounced ed-ah-MAH-may) fresh, but most likely you will find them in the freezer section of your supermarket. Preparation is very straightforward. There will be instructions on the bag for blanching (quick cooking in boiling water on the stove) or using the microwave. I prefer blanching. Blanching delivers a bright green pod that is very appealing. That said; if you don’t like to deal with boiling water, by all means, use the microwave. There is no reason to miss out on this treat.
Here’s how to blanch: Put a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil- leave some room for the beans. When the water is boiling, add the bag of soybean pods. Give it a quick stir and cook for about 4-5 minutes. With a slotted spoon or spider (see Dec 10, 2009 entry) take a pod out and let it cool slightly. When it is cool enough to touch, suck the bean out of the pod. You do not want to eat the pod, only the bean. There will be more than one in the pod. You want it to be cooked, but not mushy. Is it just right? Drain. Do this by scooping all of the bean pods into a colander or strainer that you have set in a bowl near your pot. That, or drain using a colander inside the sink.
Toss in a bowl with kosher salt, and find yourself a Zatoichi movie!
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