Edamame is a green vegetable, also known as the soybean. It is harvested at the peak of ripening right before it reaches the "hardening" time. The word Edamame means "Beans on Branches," and it grows in clusters on bushy branches.
To retain the freshness and its natural flavor, it is parboiled and quick-frozen. I found mine in the frozen food aisle at Wal-mart!
In East Asia, the soybean has been used for centuries as a major source of protein. As a snack, the pods are lightly boiled in salted water, and then the seeds are squeezed directly from the pods into the mouth with the fingers.
Now you guys know that I am all about flavor and plain old soybeans, while nutritious, just don't cut the mustard. SOOOoooo ..... I re-created Roy's seasoning ... used at the famous Roy's Restaurants.
Into a ziploc went sugar, cayenne and kosher sea salt ... toss in the thawed par-boiled soybeans, give a quick shake and heap them into your serving bowl ... too simple ... and tasty!
I paired this "bad boy" up with a chilled Chardonnay and everyone was thrilled ... and toasty. Remember salt does make you thirsty ... LOL!
Wine food pairing with edamame ... who would have thought? It's all about creativity .... CHEERS!
