Product Showcase: Frozen Edamame

November 10, 2009 General Interest

Since this month is Diabetes Awareness month, I wanted to showcase a produce that makes for great low-carbohydrate, high-protein snack.  Most of us tend to snack on high carb items like fruit, granola bars, and crackers.  These types of snacks can make it very hard for a person with diabetes to keep good control over their blood sugar.  But edamame is a tasty and often over-looked treat that is a great option for those keeping on an eye on their carbohydrate intake.  Plus it’s down-right delicious, even kids love it.

Trader Joe’s carries two types of edamame, shelled and still in the pod.  The shelled edamame is great for recipes and the edamame still in the pod is fun for snacking.  Whatever you choose, cook a few servings at once, toss with some salt, and keep it on hand for easy eating.  That way you don’t have to boil a pot of water every time your snack tooth starts talking.

I recently made a fantastic salad (thanks to a recipe from my friend Kate) using the shelled Edamame from Trader Joes.  I served with pre-marinated tofu and whole wheat couscous from Trader Joes as well (boy, I sound like I’m selling something don’t I?).  While the salad was marinating I sliced my tofu and whipped up my couscous in the microwave.  The whole ordeal took about 20 minutes.  Delicious!

Corn & Edamame-Sesame Salad

Dressing:
2 T. toasted sesame oil
1 T. rice vinegar (or any vinegar works fine)
2 t. tamari or soy sauce

Salad:
2 c. frozen, shelled edamame
1 c. fresh corn (1 or 2 ear, depending on the size) or partially frozen corn
2 T. toasted sesame seeds
Generous pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS:
Bring a a big pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, whisk all the dressing ingredients in a medium-size mixing bowl.

Boil the edamame for 3 minutes. Add the corn and boil for another 2 minutes. Drain into a colander and run under cold water until cool enough to touch. Add the edamame and corn to the dressing and toss to combine. Add the sesame seeds and toss again. Salt to taste. Cover and chill at least 15 minutes. Yum!

For a heartier salad add some sliced avocado.  Or wrap up in lettuce cups for an easy appetizer.  Also makes a great side to any Asian-inspired entree.  Enjoy.

Also, check outthis article for some more nutrition info about edamame.  I happen to love that it’s a delicious legume packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. 🙂