Superfoods Month: Pan-Seared Sea Scallops with Spinach and Edamame

pan-seared sea scallops with spinach and edamame

Some people may be wondering: If I eat soybeans or other soy-based products, will I become a dirty, leftist, communist, bleeding-heart, liberal hippy? Well, the answer is a resounding, maybe, but it has nothing to do with your consumption of soy products. While the benefits of soy are often extolled through eating tofu or soy "milk", here I include the whole food of edamame to the recipe because it is less processed and more nutritious. Edamame, or the literal Japanese translation "twig bean", is a powerful superfood. In just 1 cup of shelled edamame you get 17 grams of high quality protein. You also get 35% of your daily value of dietary fiber and good levels of vitamins (C and K) and minerals (Iron, Calcium, Potassium). Additionally, edamame contains omega 3 fatty acids and isoflavones that help promote good cholesterol (LDL) and reduce bad cholesterol (HDL). Additionally, soy-based diets have been shown to reduce risks of many cancer forms and has been linked to overall general health with the potential to increase a person's longevity. So while you may not turn to a life of liberalism because of eating soy, perhaps you can live longer regardless of your political or philosophical position. But it does make me wonder who lives longer conservatives or liberals?

Serves 4-5

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 30-40 min

Ingredients:

1lb sea scallops

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 bunch spinach, washed and chopped

1 cup frozen edamame, shelled

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 onion, finely sliced

1/4 cup white wine

butter

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• steam spinach, keep warm, and set aside
• sear scallops in skillet with olive oil so browned on one or both sides
• remove scallops and saute garlic and onions in remaining oil
• add butter, white wine, scallops and salt and pepper to taste
• cook until wine and butter sauce is thickened, 15-20 min.
• add in edamame and cook for  5 min. 
• place bed of spinach on plate, top with onions and garlic, then scallops, surround with edamame
• add cracked pepper to taste

Potential Alterations:

• try a bed of fresh arugala or another green of your liking
• trade out edamame for green peas