Soybeans in the Pod

　　Sweet, delicious young soybeans, which appear fresh in markets in Japan throughout the summer (they are available frozen in the U.S.), make great hors d'oeuvres. They are packed with protein and fun to eat-the slightly fuzzy green pods tickle your lips as you gently suck the beans into your mouth. Provide bowls for the empty pods.

　　This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 6 as an hors d'oeuvre

　　a 1-pound bag frozen edamame

　　coarse salt to taste

　　

Step 1

Fill a 5-quart kettle three fourths full with water and bring to a boil. Have ready a bowl of ice and cold water. Cook frozen edamame in boiling water until bright green, 2 to 3 minutes, and transfer with a slotted spoon to ice water to stop cooking. Drain edamame well and trim stem ends of pods for easier eating. Edamame may be prepared 4 hours ahead and kept in a bowl, covered with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap, at cool room temperature.

　　

Step 2

Just before serving, toss edamame with salt to taste.