Edamame Dip

I do love a good dip. How about you? And whilst humous and guacamole offer fridge staples in the dipping department, sometimes it’s nice to broaden your horizons and spread your dipping wings!

And this one is a beaut, and super easy to make (of course!). It also packs a serious nutrition punch, offering up not only one of the best sources of plant-based protein (in the edamame themselves) but also lots of lovely essential fats in the tahini (sesame seed paste). So as dips go – this is a brilliant one for supporting hormone health and blood sugar balance as it’s going to keep you nice a full until your next meal.

With the addition of tahini, garlic and lemon, this dip does resemble my lemon tahini dressing but this is thicker and also has a fresher flavour due to the addition of fresh coriander and Greek yoghurt, and the sweetness of the edamame. I had it slathered on toast earlier and it was delicious. And I’ll be having leftovers tomorrow with some fish and veggies so it’s also nice and versatile.

You can play with the ratio of ingredients depending on taste – I often go heavy on the lemon juice as I love that zing but am a bit careful with the garlic as it goes in raw so if there is too much it might strip the roof off your mouth! If you’re using bigger cloves then maybe stick to one, and go for two if they’re smaller or you’re feeling particularly brave.

Not much else to say about this little gem really and I’m dying for you to head off and give it a go, so without further ado – here is the recipe.

Health Benefits of my Edamame Dip

• Edamame is a great source of plant-based protein, and contains essential amino acids that can support hormone synthesis and regulation. Additionally, it contains isoflavones, a type of phyto-oestrogen, which can help modulate oestrogen levels in the body.
• Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, which can help support gut health. A healthy gut is essential for hormone balance because it plays a role in metabolising hormones and eliminating excess oestrogen from the body.
• Tahini is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are essential for hormone production and regulation.
• Garlic contains sulphur compounds that can support liver function. The liver is crucial for hormone metabolism and detoxification. A healthy liver can help maintain hormone balance by efficiently processing and removing hormones from the body.
• Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help protect the body’s cells, including hormone-producing glands, from oxidative stress. Additionally, vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of certain hormones.
• Like tahini, extra-virgin olive oil provides healthy fats that support hormone production. It is also rich in polyphenols, which have been linked to improved hormone sensitivity.
• Cumin has anti-inflammatory properties and can help balance blood sugar levels. Stable blood sugar levels are crucial for hormone balance, as insulin resistance can lead to hormonal disruptions.
• Coriander is known for its digestive benefits. Coriander contains antioxidants that can help neutralise free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and potential damage to hormone-producing glands. It is rich in vitamins A, C, K, and several essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

As ever, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe and please feel free to share your variations and other ways you use edamame. For more like this keep an eye on the recipe blog. And if you’re interested in nutrition for midlife and menopause then head to my blog where you’ll find lots of posts offering practical tips for staying well in midlife and beyond.

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