Edamame and mint side dish

Edamame and mint side dish with edamame, fresh mint, sesame oil, white sesame seeds and lime juice – a quick, aromatic side with plant protein.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 5 min
• Cooking time: 5 min
• Total time: 10 min
• Calories: 140 kcal per serving
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbs: 9 g

Ingredients

• 200 g frozen shelled edamame
• 1 handful of mint leaves
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
• Sea salt and a squeeze of lime juice

Method

You’ll need: saucepan · mixing bowl · sieve

1. Briefly blanch the frozen edamame in boiling salted water until hot but still with some bite.
2. Drain the edamame and refresh them straight away in ice-cold water. This keeps the colour and texture nice and fresh.
3. Briefly toast the white sesame seeds in a dry pan until fragrant. Keep an eye on them so they don't turn bitter.
4. Put the edamame in a bowl and toss with the sesame oil, lime juice, toasted sesame seeds and fresh mint.
5. Season to taste with sea salt and leave to stand briefly so the flavours come together.
6. To serve, put the edamame and mint side dish into a shallow bowl and finish with a little extra mint and sesame if you like.

Good to know

Some side dishes are understated but make themselves known straight away. This one is fresh, bright and brings exactly the kind of contrast that rounds off a meal.

Swaps

Sesame oil → extra virgin olive oil (savoury, goes well with mint) White sesame seeds → chopped macadamias (crunchy, mild and seed-free; contains tree nuts) Frozen shelled edamame → peas or young broad beans (similar protein content and slightly sweet) Lime juice → lemon juice (fresh, tangy and usually easier to find)

Allergens

Contains soya and sesame, both common allergens. Usually well suited to children if the texture is safe for them, and generally fine to eat in pregnancy, as long as soya and sesame suit you.

Frequently asked questions

Which micronutrients are in edamame?

Edamame contain folate, vitamin K, iron, magnesium and potassium, among other things. The exact values depend on the product and how it's prepared.

What does sesame provide nutritionally?

White sesame mainly brings unsaturated fatty acids, plus minerals such as calcium, copper and magnesium. Toasted sesame tastes more intense, and the nutrient content can change slightly in the process.

Does sesame oil contain omega-3 fatty acids?

Sesame oil mostly contains unsaturated fatty acids, mainly omega-6 and oleic acid. For omega-3, it doesn't play a significant role.

Do edamame suit a sensitive stomach?

Edamame contain fibre and certain carbohydrates that not everyone gets on with equally well. Small portions are often more comfortable than very large ones.

Does mint have much to offer nutritionally?

Mint is usually eaten in small amounts, so its contribution of vitamins and minerals is fairly modest. Here, its value lies mainly in its fresh aroma.

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