Easy Japanese Edamame Mexican Rice, #RealFlavor

Japanese edamame are the fun beans you pop out of fuzzy shells at sushi bars. They are the sidekick to the rainbow rolls and other flamboyant presentations. However, the unassuming little edamame pods deliver star power in the nutrition arena.

Japanese edamame:
The sidekick dish which deserves a great big spotlight!
Photo courtesy of 123rf.com

Here’s a quick ABC guide to the benefits of edamame:

Vitamin A: The immunity boosting charged vitamin A is nestled in every edamame bean.

Vitamin B: For changing sugar into energy, vitamin B is essential. Edamame are packed with B. This may explain why there is a surge in edamame popularity during Japan’s relentlessly hot and humid summer.

Vitamin C: The vitamin responsible for fighting colds and spotted in face serums promising youthful skin is tucked into edamame beans.

Vegetarian friendly this meatless meal can be whipped up in minutes.

Americans have recently discovered the delights of the nutrition-packed edamame in hummus and salads. In Japan, the green little pods were enjoyed as far back as the Nara period (710-794.) Edamame were served as snacks still attached to their tree branches. Japanese prints from the Edo period (1603 -1868) depict geisha munching on edamame.

Edamame Mexican Rice can be enjoyed hot or cold
in a Japanese bento box.

Given the health benefits of the edamame, it is time to elevate the little snack beans and include them in a main meal. Just thinking about tossing the little green pods into a rice and tofu dish tantalizes my taste buds. Ordinarily I choose sticky short grain Japanese white rice. (I know! Brown rice is healthier.) But I was gifted with a pack of Arroz Mexicano long grain rice from my friends at Del Real Foods. (You can see what yumminess they are up to on Twitter @DelRealFoods.) So, I stirred edamame and tofu into Del Real Foods’ delectable Arroz Mexicano. The tomato and corn in the rice package sing sweetness. The edamame and tofu harmonize perfectly with the tomato and veggies already in the rice. Punched up with plenty of Mexican flavors and Japanese proteins, this is a meatless meal you won't want to miss.

Easy Japanese Edamame Mexican Rice

Easy Japanese Edamame Mexican Rice is ideal for the nights when you are short on time but want to deliver big on flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients:

1 package Del Real Foods Arroz Rice
3/4 cup cooked edamame beans
1/4 - 1/2 block of extra-firm tofu
3 scallions, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds

Directions:

Heat the Del Real Arroz Rice according to the package directions.
If using frozen edamame, bring the beans to a boil in salted water. Drain.
Cut the tofu into cubes.
Slice the scallions into small bits.
Chop the red pepper.
Toast the sesame seeds in an ungreased fry pan, constantly swirling, over medium to low heat. As soon as you smell a subtle but definite sesame essence, remove from the heat. (About 3 minutes for one tablespoon.)
Toss in the edamame, scallions, red pepper and tofu into the rice.
Garnish with the toasted sesame seeds.

Wishing you the joys of delicious simplicity.

The Ninja Baker

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

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