Sweet and Spicy Edamame and Broad Beans

Edamame1You might have tried edamame as an entree or side dish at the Japanese restaurant. It is just a fancy name for cooked green soybeans in the pod. Edamame are a powerhouse of nutrition. They’re low in fat and calories and high in protein (one of the few plant sources of complete protein), fiber and almost every other essential vitamin and mineral. Good news for ladies? Because soy is also a good source of calcium, it helps those with osteoporosis or osteopenia (decreased bone mass, which I’ve got unfortunately). Studies also have suggested that soy also helps alleviate symptoms of menopause. Don’t worry guys. It may have positive effects on preventing prostate cancer, too. So enough on nutrition facts! How do I use them? Make a great snack, of course, as the recipe below. Other suggestions are edamame hummus with healthy pita chips, mashed edamame on toast, in your casserole or stir-fry or salads. It all sounds yummy, right? I like cooking them in the pods. Then it is fun to peel them, pop the beans into your mouth and lick on your fingers. It is a fabulous appetiser or healthy snack. I hope you try this recipe x
EdamameIngredients

200g frozen edamame in shell
200g frozen broad beans
1 tsp of soy sauce
1/2 tsp of raw honey
1/2 tsp of minced garlic
1/2 tsp of chilli flakes
1/2 tsp of smoked paprika
1 tsp of sesame oil
1 tsp of sesame seeds
salt and pepper to taste

Boil frozen edamame pods and broad beans in a boiling water for 1-2 minutes and drain. In the meantime, mix other ingredients in a bowl. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the soy mixture in. When it starts to bubble, stir in edamame and broad beans and cook for 5-10 minutes, keep stirring until the liquid is evaporated.

Broiled Grapefruit with Cinnamon Cottage Cheese

It can be quite warm or cold in March being a transition from summer to autumn in Perth. One day it is 30+ degrees, next day it drops down to 20. How crazy is that? I took advantage of the cool morning making these broiled grapefruit beauties for a snack. I never made or tasted it before, so was curious about how it would turn out. It is simple to make though I was so impressed with its bittersweet flavour and radiant pink colour. Perfect brunch or snack for chilly weather when it’s served warm with a bit of cheese or yogurt. Highly recommended!

Broiled GrapefruitIngredients

1 Grapefruit
1 tsp of maple syrup or agave or honey
1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder
1 tsp of cinnamon powder
100g cottage cheese

Wash the grapefruit and cut it in half. Cut around the outside of the grapefruit to loosen them. Drizzle maple syrup. Broil for about 3-5 minutes until caramelised on top (don’t burn!). Serve warm with cottage cheese and sprinkle of cinnamon and vanilla. Other serving options? with yogurt, granola, breakfast muffin.