Fermented Soybeans? My New Playmates!

Do you crave the nubbly texture of edamame, a simple soybean appetizer from Japan? I wanted another way to enjoy and came up with Eureka! this fermented slaw.

Edamame Slaw is made from just two bags of veggies and a few side kicks; so it comes together in just minutes. After a four-day ferment you have a jar of wow ready to serve.

Lacto fermenting creates a new dynamic for edamame. Make this restaurant quality slaw that acts like an appetizer, salad, pickle, or to adorn warm grains.

MAKES 2 QUARTS

INGREDIENTS: Look for packaged edamame and broccoli slaw at Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Publix, and Asian Markets

• edamame – shelled, frozen package, 10 oz.
• broccoli slaw – in produce department, 12 oz.
• scallions – 1 cup, thin slant slices
• garlic – 2 TBS, chopped
• ginger – 2 TBS, grated or minced
• sea greens – [optional], 2 TBS wakame, hijiki, or arame, pre-soaked
• chili flakes – [optional], 1-2 tsp gochugaru [Korean], or to taste

DIRECTIONS: Lacto fermenting requires four days and is then stored in the fridge

1. Prepare a two-quart fermenting device by washing
2. Prepare the scallions, garlic, ginger, and other options and place in a bowl
3. Read package directions on the edamame and prepare. If cooking required, cool before proceeding
4. Combine all the ingredients and load into the fermenter
5. Make a brine of one quart filtered water with 2 TBS sea salt
6. Pour the brine over the mixture and complete sealing the fermenter according to fermenter instructions
7. Ferment for four days and then refrigerate

SERVING IDEAS:

• Put drained slaw in a serving dish and drizzle some toasted sesame oil and top with toasted sesame seeds or a wonderful Japanese condiment: furikake* [find at Trader Joes or Asian markets]

• Or stir together equal amounts of olive oil, ponzu [a Japanese soy sauce and citrus juice], and a tsp of mayonnaise then spoon over the slaw, then top with toasted sesame seeds or toasted nori. By the way, this sauce is great on just about anything. If you only do this part of the recipe you will have gained a mighty kitchen helper

• Toss some slaw into warm cooked grains just before serving

Recipe by B. Hettig © 2021