Edamame Salad Sandwiches

By the Gracious Vegan

Edamame are fresh young soybeans, before the insides dry into yellowish-white beans. Those of us who know edamame likely tasted it first at an Asian restaurant, where edamame pods are served as an appetizer. In this recipe, shelled edamame are used as the foundation for a tasty sandwich spread. The beans don’t have a ton of flavor on their own, making it crucial to bring in some spices, mustard, and other flavors. This makes enough for multiple sandwiches – it may last all week!

Makes 2.25 cups

Cook the edamame in the microwave (4-6 minutes with 2 Tablespoons water) or on the stove (boil for about 5 minutes), until they are tender and still a bit firm. (I don’t use the Instant Pot for edamame, because they go mushy even with 0 minutes of high pressure.)

• 1.5 cups frozen shelled edamame

Once they are cooked and drained, pulse them in the food processor briefly (5-6 pulses for me). Transfer to a medium mixing bowl. 

Pulse the next ingredients individually in the food processor until they are chopped. Transfer them to the mixing bowl.

• 1 stalk celery

• 1 medium (or 6 baby) carrots

• 2 large or 3 small green onions

• (optional) 1/2 cup olives, chopped (I like Greek black olives best, but green, green-with-pimientos, or California olives also work)

Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and combine everything. Adjust the seasonings and hummus/tahini/mayo to your liking.

• 1/4 cup hummus or vegan mayo or a combination of tahini, water, and lemon juice (2 Tablespoons each of tahini and water, plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice, stirred together before adding) (Tofu-Cashew Mayonnaise, No Oil)

• 1.5 Tablespoons stoneground mustard (or other type if you prefer) 

• 1 Tablespoon roasted, chopped nuts or seeds 

• 3/4 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Ground pepper to taste

For sandwiches, use bread of your choice (toasted or not) and one or more of the following toppings.

• Lettuce leaves

• Sliced tomato

• Sliced red onion

• Dill or sweet pickles

• Avocado slices

Timing: About 20 minutes

Gluten-free if gluten-free bread is used