Edamame & Garlic Spread

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups edamame (shelled)
• 4 large cloves of garlic (about 1 tablespoon chopped) – or adjust to taste
• 3/4 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 red dry chili pepper or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
• salt to taste
• water, about 1/2 cup or as much required to have the right consistency
• 4 tablespoon almonds (optional) – this adds a nice nutty taste
• 3-5 tablespoon olive oil (use as much or as little you want) + some more to drizzle before serving
• fresh herbs to garnish