Edamame

These fresh soybeans in fuzzy green pods are a popular snack food, especially as an accompaniment to beer or sake. Eat the beans only, of course, by forcing them from the pod with your lips directly into your mouth. Although I don’t call for them in any recipe, edamame are easy to prepare (cook the frozen ones according to the package directions and boil the fresh ones in generously salted water for about 10 minutes).