Warm glass noodles and edamame

I had a bag of frozen edamame on hand that I was debating what to do with, and I came across this wonderful recipe in the cookbook Plenty.  I'm guessing that most people associate edamame with what's generally served at japanese izakayas(pubs) - the one where you have to pop it out of the shell to eat, but edamame, with all of it's omega 3 and vitamin A goodness, can be great incorporated into other dishes too.

This Warm glass noodles and edamame dish is originally vegetarian (not to mention gluten-free), but I added some chicken to it, so that I can up the protein level and make it into a more substantial main dish. Whether with or without any meat in it, the dish has some amazing flavors.  And as Cy would attest, it's really difficult to stop after just one bowl!

Warm glass noodles and edamame
adapted from Plenty
Serves 4


Ingredients:

7oz...glass noodles
2tbsp..sunflower oil
3.........garlic cloves, crushed
2.5c....shelled,cooked edamame
3.........green onions (thinly sliced)
1.........fresh red chile, finely chopped
3tbsp...chopped cilantro
3tbsp...fresh mint, shredded
3tbsp...sesame seeds, toasted
1lb......chicken breast or thighs, cooked

(for sauce)
2tbsp...grated fresh ginger
juices of 4 limes
3tbsp...peanut oil
2tbsp...sugar (or you can use some Mirin)
2tsp.....tamarind pulp or paste (optional)
2tsp.....tamari (I was out so I substituted with soy sauce)
1tsp.....salt

Directions:

1) Soak noodles in hot water for 5min or until soft.  (don't let them get soggy!) Drain, and dry.

2) Make the sauce by whisking all sauce ingredients in a bowl.

3) Heat sunflower oil in large pan and add garlic.  When it turns golden, pan from heat and add noodles and sauce and gently stir together.

4) Add most of the edamame and onions, chile, cilantro, and mint.  Add in the cooked chicken here if you would like.  Stir everything together and return pan to heat until just warmed through.  Season with salt and pepper.

5)  Pile on platter and scatter remaining edamame and sesame seeds.  Garnish with cilantro leaves and ENJOY!