Edamame & Garlic Spread

 

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When you are in mood for noshing, consider slathering this nutty and lemony spread over a good, rustic bread. Rye bread, sourdough bread – any kind will do. This is my favorite way to snack.

 

 

sourdough bread

 

I do not watch Super Bowl. I do not understand the game and never tried to. I do not wait for the half time performances nor analyze advertisements and scores. I do not talk about interceptions or the best and the worst moments for a week after the Super Bowl Sunday. I do not treat it like another holiday. I do not meet with friends or plan parties. I am the minority here.

 

I have lived in this country for almost as long as I have lived in India. But this is one fever that I never did catch. Some think it is not a very patriotic way.  I know which teams are playing only because the girls get a card from school where they have to put their guesses on the scores. They do that in elementary school. Then on Monday the coach finds the closest guess and rewards the student with a pencil, or a toe token or something they are thrilled to get for a day.

 

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My heart still skips a beat when I hear about a one day Cricket match. I will cheer for World Cup Soccer any day and even remember the names of my favorite players. But not Football. It is not for me. Besides, Football still makes me think of Soccer. My mind and ideas have hardened; “Football” will always be Soccer to me.

I have had friends try to convert me. They even told me if I attended one of those frenzied parties I would never turn away from one. I attended a few Super Bowl get together, munched on cheese and nachos, spicy chicken wings and pizzas. I have enjoyed the snazzy spread of food. I have learned a few words like “touchdown” and “interception“. I have observed the frenzy when something bizarre happen on the field (bizarre to me), but I just do not get it. Or may I have decided not to get it. I have an adamant streak in me.

If I change my mind in future, and if I am still blogging (and you are still reading), I will remember to write another post.

 

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Instead I enjoy the peace  and quiet of the empty streets. I plan out to do my grocery when there are only a few like me in the stores on the evening. I savor the time at home, humming a tune, cooking or spending time with my family. I would rather read a book or make a craft. May be just watch Eat, Pray, Love? Or write a blog post and listen to Spanish Harlem…as I am doing right now.

I have never been much in sports. I did sports in school only because I had to. I had to earn that grade. Beyond that I played badminton and ran – ran really really fast. I would also swoon over Boris Becker and Andre Agassi, and secretly wished I was a ball girl at the Wimbledon. That was pretty much what sports was to me.

 

The way the players run, remind me of Forrest Gump. I do not know why.  The constant buzz of commentary confuses me even more. And I am thankful that I have two little girls (who are only as much interested in Football as I am). With boys, I  probably would have been forced to learn the game myself. We also might have to drive them every week for practice and tournaments and cheer for them. I do not have to feel guilty now if the girls do not care much about the Ravens.

 

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This came to be a very strange post. Please do not get me wrong. I do not want to hurt the sentiments by not chiming in with the spirits. I cannot pretend to. I love this country, I just have not got used to “Football”. Not yet.

If I got into the fever of Super Bowl, I would make this dip for the evening. I am sure the dip just works as well chips, or vegetables or with crackers, or anything you would like to spread it on. A conversation with another blogger, (she used to blog at As Dear as Salt),  last week about “soy” & Edamame Hummus reminded me that I never posted this recipe.

 

Edamame Hummus“.

 

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Just like hummus, the recipe may be personalized in any way you want. Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, chili oil – add any of them or in the best combination you like.

 

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The Edamame has mild flavors, so I prefer using plenty of garlic. I also added a fistful of almonds and some lemon zest this time. Allowing the dip to sit for a few hours before serving allow the aroma to infuse well. I like to keep it overnight.

 

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Edamame & Garlic Spread

 

Ingredients: (makes about 1.5 – 2 cups)

  1. 1.5 cups Edamame (shelled)
  2. 4 large cloves of garlic (about 1  tablespoon chopped) – or adjust to taste
  3. 3/4 tablespoon lemon juice
  4. 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
  5. 1 red dry chili pepper  or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
  6. salt to taste
  7. water, about 1/2 cup or as much required to have the right consistency
  8. 4 tablespoon almonds (optional) – this adds a nice nutty taste
  9. 3-5 tablespoon olive oil  (use as much or as little you want) + some more to drizzle before serving
  10. fresh herbs to garnish

 

**To add a spicy kick, top off the spread with the Hot Chile Oil.

 

 

Method:


Lightly steam the edamame. I usually steam them in their pods for about 5 minutes, either in a steamer or microwave too. They should still be green.

Remove beans from the pods (they should measure 1.5 cups after removing from pods). Combine all ingredients other than the olive oil and water, in a food processor and process while adding the olive oil in a stream.  Add water as needed to thin the puree. Process until really smooth and creamy.

Allow it to sit for a few hours for the flavors to get stronger. If you are leaving it to sit overnight, add more water as it will dry up.

Drizzle more olive oil  or Hot Chile Oil and garnish with herbs. Serve as a spread, or dip, with bread, crackers and/or crudites.

 

 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Serves/Makes: 1.5 – 2 cups of spread

 

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Sending this to MLLA -56, originally began by Susan and now hosted by Lisa.

 

 

 

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8 comments to Edamame & Garlic Spread

  • Soma, That’s something i haven’t tried …Bookmarked
    Beautiful bright clicks with cute props 🙂

  • A delicious spread! Those flavors are just wonderful.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • Veena

    new combination.. looks creamy and yummy

  • I don’t watch football either. Or basketball, baseball, any sport…
    The spread looks delicious! I’ve got some edamame in my freezer right now 😀

  • Zoe

    Edamame as a spread is an absolutely fabulous idea! And the photos are divine. A great way to get some protein too. And as an Australian who does not like rugby league I can understand your sentiments exactly. We can be ‘unpatriotic’ together!

  • I love hummus but Edamame “Hummus”? – AWESOME! I think the addition of almonds is superb. What a good, healthy recipe.

  • what a great idea Soma. I am going to try it this weekend. 🙂

  • Tiger Strong

    Just a note to say I LOVE this blog . . . keep writing it! I’ve loved every recipe I’ve made, and can’t wait to try this one.

    And, for what it’s worth, I was born in this country, but don’t do the whole Super Bowl thing either. I’ve been to one party, and was turned completely off by all the ruckous and hooplah. But I enjoy the quiet streets and time to putter 🙂

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