Superfood of the Week: Edamame

Edamame, that mildly sweet and oh-so pop-able snack also known as soybeans is a protein-packed powerhouse. And although you may most frequently see it tableside at your local Japanese restaurant, they're good for way more than that. A mere half-cup of these legumes will provide a whopping 9 grams of fiber, 11 grams of protein plus a hefty dose of antioxidants, all for just 120 calories. It should come as no surprise, then, that edamame's been a staple of the Asian diet for many years now. Try one of these delicious recipes to enjoy the slimming superpowers of soy.

Edamame Hummus: Give your traditional chickpea hummus a protein boost with this fun twist on the Mediterranean classic. The white beans and fresh parsley add great flavor to this smooth and creamy dip, too. Serve with whole-grain pita chips or carrots for extra crunch.Nutty Pasta with Edamame Pesto: This delicious dish requires minimal effort but tastes like it's from a fancy restaurant -- seriously. The pesto is a unique combination of fresh mint, roasted almonds, olive oil and edamame that pairs perfectly with fiber packed whole-wheat pasta. Feel free to use fresh basil if you don't have mint on hand. Bonus: Try the leftovers chilled for lunch the next day!Edamame Lo Mein: Forget the unhealthy takeout version and go for this healthier twist on the yummy Asian classic, complete with whole-wheat noodles, peppers, carrots and (you guessed it) lots of edamame. With all that protein, you don't even have to add chicken or shrimp.

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Image Credit: Conde Nast Archive

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