Edamame is a fresh vegetable soybean—that is, a soybean that doesn’t need to be processed to be eaten. They make a great snack or appetizer.
To prepare:
First, strip the pods off the plants (great for kids to do!). Collect all the pods into a bowl.
Meanwhile, boil water in a pot big enough to hold all your soybean pods. Salt it heavily.
Add the pods to the water and boil them until they are tender. Some people like them al dente (10 minutes or so) and others like them very soft (15-20 minutes). Very soft is our preferred method.
Drain the water from the pot, and pour the edamame into a bowl. Gather the troops to eat these immediately; they’re best when hot. Set out a second bowl for empty pods. Salt the pods again.
To eat:
Pick up a pod with your fingers and hold it to your lips. Use your teeth or lips and fingers to push or pull the individual beans out of the pod and into your mouth. It’s kind of goofy feeling at first, but once you taste that first bean (buttery, salty, soft), you’ll just go for more without thinking about it!
In Japan, they like to eat these like bar nuts: salty and with beer. If you are over 21 and of that persuasion, we highly recommend the beer/edamame combination. Enjoy!
