Edamame Sandwich Spread

This edamame spread with avocado is the perfect 5-minute lunch for super busy days! It's packed with 6 different plants, healthy fats, and protein for a healthy balanced meal. I like to think of it as an elevated avocado toast that's packed with nutrition.

This super green spread is not only delicious but also super versatile.

• You can spread it on toast or foccacia and enjoy it as you would an avocado toast. I highly recommend adding some quick pickled red onions on top.
• You can use it as a base for sandwiches or wraps topped with roasted veggies and leafy greens.
• Or you can toss it with pasta if you thin it out with a little starchy pasta water to create a sauce.

• Avocado: I like to use avocado as the base of this spread to make it extra creamy and spreadable. Only using edamame beans and peas can make the spread a little too chunky and fibrous.
• Frozen, shelled edamame beans: Make sure to use unseasoned, shelled edamame beans that you can defrost without any additional preparation steps.
• Frozen peas: They add a sweet note to the spread. Combining edamame and peas is also a great way to add more veggies to your diet and reach your 5 a day (or 30+ plants/week).
• Hulled hemp seeds: For extra plant points and a boost of protein, I like to add hemp seeds to the mix. You can barely taste them. I also like to sprinkle them on top of my sandwich.
• Lime juice: It pairs well with the avocado and edamame beans and adds a refreshing acidic touch to the spread. You can replace it with lemon juice if you prefer.
• Fresh cilantro: Its lemony, peppery taste really elevates the flavors of this edamame spread. If you don't like cilantro, you can use fresh basil as an alternative. But I highly recommend adding some sort of fresh herbs.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Step 1: Thaw the edamame and peas according to package directions. I use the microwave method which just takes 3 short minutes. Place the frozen edamame and peas in a bowl with a splash of water (it's going to steam the beans). Cover it with a plate that you turned upside down and microwave for several minutes until soft. If using this method, don't forget to drain the excess water.

2. Step 2: Add everything to a food processor. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Score it crosswise and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Add it to a food processor with the thawed edamame beans, peas, cilantro, hemp seeds, salt, and lime juice. Use a personal blender if you prefer a perfectly smooth texture.