ほうれん草の胡麻和え (Horenso no Goma-ae)

Blanched spinach in a sesame dressing, a light and flavorful side.

Ingredients

• 250 g spinach
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tbsp mirin

Method

1. Blanch spinach in boiling water briefly, then cool.
2. Toast sesame seeds in a pan and grind into a paste.
3. Mix ground sesame, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin to make dressing.
4. Toss spinach with sesame dressing and serve chilled.

Chef's tips

• Avoid overcooking spinach to maintain vibrant color
• Crushing seeds releases a greater depth of flavor