Ful Medames

This take on the classic Egyptian meal (usually eaten for breakfast) of highly seasoned fava beans and other sorts of other deliciousness uses easy-to-find shelled, frozen edamame.  It smells amazing while its cooking and is even better the next day!

If you know me, you know that I don’t go crazy for soy.  However, whole, organic non-gmo soybeans are unprocessed, OK on occasion and are proven to lower LDL-cholesterol (the kind we don’t want!)

Aside from that, going meatless once a week is good for you and the environment.  I try to go meatless at least once a week and my body seems to agree with it beautifully.

Try this one out… its delicious, super flavorful, easy to make and great with quinoa, rice or pita.  The meal is loaded with protein and fiber.  Its good for you, keeps you body lookin’ hot and tastes amazing!

here we go….

1 1/2 10 oz frozen edamame (shelled!)

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion chopped

1 large zucchini diced

2 tbs minced garlic

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/8 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)– I add lots!

1 20oz diced tomatoes

1/4 c chopped cilantro or mint

3 tbs lemon juice (I added the zest too)

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add edamame and cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes or according to package directions. Drain.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 3 minutes. Add zucchini and cook, covered, until the onions are starting to brown, about 3 minutes more. Add garlic, cumin, coriander and cayenne and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the edamame and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat and stir in cilantro (or mint) and lemon juice.

As a personal side note, I think that it is not only important but educational to cook, eat and enjoy international dishes.  Its a 3D view into someone else’s world.  

If you have children, make an “International Night”.  Learn about the country, the food, the language and the people.

World peace through food- My kind of lesson!!

Recipe credit: Eating Well