Spinach Goma-ae (Japanese-Style Spinach with Sesame Dressing) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon sake
• 1/2 teaspoon mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)
• 1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 pound spinach
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

1. In a small, dry frying pan over low heat, toast sesame seeds until they begin to pop and turn a light golden color. Reserve 1 teaspoon whole toasted seeds for garnish. Coarsely grind the rest in a spice grinder, small food processor, or mortar and pestle.
2. Whisk together ground sesame seeds, sake, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
3. Fill a large bowl with ice water; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add salt.
4. Working in batches, submerge a portion of the spinach in boiling water and cook about 30 seconds. Remove and immediately plunge into ice water. Once cooled, drain and squeeze dry. Repeat with remaining spinach.
5. Toss blanched spinach with dressing. Plate as small mounds and garnish with reserved sesame seeds.
6. Cook's Tip:
7. This sesame dressing also pairs well with blanched green beans.