Edamame Corn Sesame Appetizer

This is a recipe that I just had at someone's house for an appetizer party and it was great.  Thought I'd share it here for you to enjoy as well.  It's from the Yeahthatveganshit blog.

 INGREDIENTS:
Dressing:

• 2 T. toasted sesame oil
• 1 T. rice vinegar (or any vinegar works fine)
• 2 t. tamari or soy sauce

Appetizer:

• 2 c. frozen, shelled edamame
• 1 c. fresh corn (1 or 2 ear, depending on the size) or partially frozen corn
• 2 T. toasted sesame seeds
• Endive
• Generous pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS

Bring a a big pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, whisk all the dressing ingredients in a medium-size mixing bowl.

Boil the edamame for 3 minutes. Add the corn and boil for another 2 minutes. Drain into a colander and run under cold water until cool enough to touch. Add the edamame and corn to the dressing and toss to combine. Add the sesame seeds and toss again. Salt to taste. Cover and chill at least 15 minutes.

Place salad into separated endive cups and serve on a platter.

Broccoli Soup (Clean and Dairy Free)

Inspired from Gordon Ramsey, this broccoli soup is so easy and fast.  The last time I attempted to make broccoli soup was a couple years ago, where I badly burnt myself and had brocolli soup splattered across the entire kitchen.  Follow instructions carefully to avoid this from happening.

Ingredients:
Water
Salt
2 bunches of broccoli
Walnuts (optional)
Goat Cheese (optional)

Time to prepare: 5 minutes
Time to cook:  5 minutes

- Put pot of water to boil, high enough to put all the broccoli into.
- Cut broccoli right at the base of the florets (this recipe does not use the stems)
- When water is boiling, season water with plenty of salt
- Add broccoli
- Add more salt on top of the broccoli
- Cover and let boil 4 to 4 1/2 minutes until broccoli is tender

Drain broccoli into colander that is over another pot, or scoop broccoli out into colander.  This is important.  We are going to use the broth made in cooking for the soup.




Put as much broccoli as will fit into the Vitamix. Using the broth that was made when cooking the broccoli, add enough water to fill half the Vitamix.



Start with blender on low speed and pulse up and down a few times to slowly and carefully (remember exploding broccoli soup problem) break up the florets and mix in the broth.  When mixed, slowly raise level up to 10, then flip to high to blend into a smooth puree.  Taste soup and add additional salt to taste.  I added a LOT of salt, this is not a low sodium soup (but it is fat free, vegan, paleo, full of fiber, etc. etc.).









Gordon Ramsey served it in a bowl with a few walnuts on the bottom, and two thin slices of goat cheese, then poured the soup on top.  I tried it with a few walnuts mixed in and it was really yummy.