{"id":32363,"date":"2013-02-04T07:35:13","date_gmt":"2013-02-04T14:35:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ecurry.com\/blog\/?p=32363"},"modified":"2013-02-27T13:01:56","modified_gmt":"2013-02-27T20:01:56","slug":"edamame-garlic-spread","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.ecurry.com\/blog\/condiments-dips-and-sauces\/edamame-garlic-spread\/","title":{"rendered":"Edamame & Garlic Spread"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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.<\/p>\n

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I do not watch Super Bowl. I do not understand the game and never tried to. I do not wait for the\u00a0half time\u00a0performances 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.<\/p>\n

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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\u00a0catch. Some think it is not a very patriotic way.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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My heart still\u00a0skips 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/em><\/strong>” and “interception<\/strong><\/em>“. 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Instead I enjoy the peace\u00a0 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\u00a0the 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<\/a><\/strong><\/em>…as I am doing right now.<\/p>\n

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<\/em> and Andre Agassi<\/em>, and secretly wished I was a ball girl at the Wimbledon. That was pretty much what sports was to me.<\/p>\n

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The way the players run, remind me of Forrest Gump<\/strong><\/em>. I do not know why.\u00a0 The constant buzz of commentary confuses me even more. And I am thankful that I have two little girls (who are only as much\u00a0interested in Football as I am). With boys, I\u00a0 probably would have been forced to learn the game myself.\u00a0We 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<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

If I got into the fever of Super Bowl, I would make this dip for the evening.\u00a0I 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<\/a>),\u00a0 last week about “soy” & Edamame Hummus reminded me that I never posted this recipe.<\/p>\n

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“Edamame Hummus<\/em>“.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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Edamame & Garlic Spread<\/h6>\n

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Ingredients:<\/strong> (makes about\u00a01.5 – 2<\/em> cups)<\/em><\/p>\n

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  1. 1.5 cups Edamame <\/strong>(shelled)<\/em><\/li>\n
  2. 4 large cloves of garlic (about 1\u00a0 tablespoon chopped) – or adjust to taste<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. 3\/4 tablespoon lemon juice<\/strong><\/li>\n
  4. 1\/2 tablespoon lemon zest<\/strong><\/li>\n
  5. 1 red dry chili pepper\u00a0 or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper or smoked paprika\u00a0<\/strong>(optional)<\/em><\/li>\n
  6. salt to taste<\/strong><\/li>\n
  7. water, about 1\/2 cup or as much required to have the right consistency<\/strong><\/li>\n
  8. 4 tablespoon almonds <\/strong>(optional) – this adds a nice nutty taste<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\n
  9. 3-5\u00a0tablespoon olive oil\u00a0 <\/strong>(use as much or as little you want)<\/em> + some more to drizzle before serving<\/strong><\/li>\n
  10. fresh herbs to garnish<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    **<\/strong>To add a spicy kick, top off the spread with the Hot Chile Oil<\/em>.<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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    <\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

    Method:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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    \nLightly 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.<\/p>\n

    Remove beans\u00a0from the pods (they should measure 1.5 cups after removing from pods). Combine all ingredients other than the\u00a0olive oil and water,\u00a0in a food processor and\u00a0process while adding the olive oil in a stream.\u00a0 Add water as needed to thin the puree. Process until really smooth and creamy.<\/p>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    Drizzle more olive oil\u00a0 or Hot Chile Oil<\/em><\/a><\/strong> and garnish with herbs. Serve as a spread, or dip, with bread, crackers and\/or crudites.<\/p>\n

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    Preparation Time: 15 minutes<\/em><\/p>\n

    Cooking Time: 5 minutes<\/em><\/p>\n

    Difficulty Level: Easy<\/em><\/p>\n

    Serves\/Makes: 1.5 – 2 cups of spread<\/em><\/p>\n

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    Sending this to MLLA -56<\/a>, originally began by Susan<\/a> and now hosted by Lisa.<\/a><\/p>\n

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    Related Posts:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n