Easy Holiday Entertaining #Recipe: Wasabi Edamame Hummus

Some of the best and most enduring recipes for entertaining have come from moments where a host or hostess is forced to improvise with whatever is on hand.  Such is the case with this super easy, quick and delicious Asian twist on classic Hummus.  

Edamame (fresh soybeans) are high in protein and have a bright green color that really pops on a festive holiday spread.  I used them in place of the traditional garbanzo beans.  To play the role of the tahini (sesame paste), I went with wasabi mayonnaise.  I used the premade stuff from Trader Joes, but you can use regular mayo and simply add wasabi (found in the ethnic section of most grocery stores) to taste.

What makes this delicious dip extra fun and will amuse and entertain partygoers is if you can track down some shrimp chips (a.k.a.) prawn crackers to serve with it.  They are colorful delicious, and are just about as close as you can get to performing a magic trick in the kitchen.  My kids love to watch these little wonders transform from what looks like a chip of colored plastic into a light and puffy snack in less than a minute in the microwave.  

You can find shrimp chips in most Asian markets.  They are very inexpensive and a small box makes a lot of chips.  To make, simply place the uncooked chips on a single layer on a microwave safe plate.  Microwave for 50 seconds.  They will emerge from the microwave light and puffed and ready to serve.  

I love the fact that this dip is packed with protein and that the "chips" aren't fried in oil.

Wasabi Edamame "Hummus"

• 1 12 ounce bag frozen shelled edamame
• 1/4 cup wasabi mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• A squeeze of fresh lime
• 1 garlic clove
• Tablespoon fresh basil
• Tablespoon fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup olive oil 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Black sesame seeds for garnish

Step 1: Place the frozen edamame in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave for 2-3 minutes, until thawed and slightly warm.

Step 2: In the bowl of a food processor, combine edamame, wasabi mayo (or replace with regular mayo and add wasabi to taste), sesame oil, lime, garlic, fresh herbs and olive oil.

Step 3: Purée until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Drizzle in more olive oil till desired thickness is achieved. 

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with black sesame seeds and minced cilantro.  Serve with shrimp chips, rice crackers or pita chips.