Edamame

A colorful and delicious side dish reminiscent of succotash.

Soybeans in the Pod Sweet, delicious young soybeans, which appear fresh in markets in Japan throughout the summer (they are available frozen in the U.S.), make great hors d'oeuvres. They are packed with protein and fun to eat-the slightly fuzzy green pods tickle your lips as you gently suck the beans into your mouth. Provide bowls for the empty pods. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serve with: Mixed baby greens with shredded radishes in a citrus vinaigrette, and a sesame baguette.

Sliced raw fennel, roasted baby artichokes, and bright green edamame make one fabulous, Italian-inspired salad.

By cooking the rice and toasting the walnuts ahead, you can take this dish from skillet to table in a very short time.

You may be curious about why we chose to include edamame (fresh soybeans), which are often associated with Asian cuisine, in this all-American succotash recipe. Soybeans are actually a patriotic legume: They're the second largest crop produced in this country. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 hr

With crunchy cabbage, sweet mango, and ripe avocado, this salad will keep you full.

Nutty, buckwheat-based soba noodles add some heft to the classic miso broth.