E-da-ma-me! In good old Portuguese: green soybeans.
It was an ingredient that I had only heard about (one more), but had never seen. I knew it was common in Liberdade and I confirmed this when I saw several frozen bags of it in one of the shops. But unfortunately I wouldn’t be able to buy it to try it for a change.
Until one of these days I saw them in the organic store in the city, but they were very ugly and hot, the sun must have been hitting them all day. I decided not to risk it.
What a surprise I was when I saw some branches with broad beans at the city’s farmer’s market (it’s almost a farmers market), I got closer and they said: it was edamame! I asked just to confirm.
I took a pack to try! I preferred to be cautious, as I had never tried before. It’s going to be bad, right? I got 300g (of broad beans), it cost me R$2. I think it was a good purchase, don’t you think?
I had read that it was addictive, and it is! I should have bought all the packs! It’s no wonder it’s served as an aperitif, you eat, eat and eat… Lucky for me, I don’t drink regularly, I’d be lost!
The taste itself doesn’t remind me of anything I’ve ever tasted, to say it looks like this and such. Perhaps the closest thing would be almonds, but pushing the envelope. All I know is that it’s delicious and addictive!
The preparation could not be simpler.
As I hadn’t done it before, I asked Óraculo for tips and followed what was recommended by Akemi of the Sin of Gluttony.
After removing them from the branches, you need to wash the beans with plenty of water to remove all the dirt. I discovered that the cables are resistant and can hurt your hand or at least be uncomfortable.
At the same time, it’s a good idea to leave a pan of boiling water ready.
After they are well cleaned, add salt to the beans. For every 100g of broad beans use ~7.5g of salt (1/2 tablespoon), so rub well! According to Akemi It helps to remove any remaining dirt and hair, as well as facilitating the entry of salt.
Then just throw the broad beans (with salt, but without any water) into the pan with boiling water. At this stage I added another 4g (1/2 teaspoon) of salt to the pan, wait for the water to boil again, then count 5 minutes. Drain and to cool faster I rinsed it in cold water.
And that’s it, just eat and enjoy!
Green Soybeans: Edamame
Makes: 4 portions
- 400 g edamame (green soybeans in the pod)
- 30 g refined salt (about)
- water (boiling)
- refined salt (August)
1 cup: 250mL | 1 tablespoon: 15mL.
- Remove the pod from the branches and wash very well.
- Mix the salt with the pods and rub to help clean.
- Bring water to a boil in a large pan, add 4-5g salt.
- Add the pods to the hot water and cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Remove from hot water and rinse with cold water.
