Horenso no Goma-ae

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach leaves and blanch for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
2. 2.
   Drain the spinach and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a small pan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool.
4. 4.
   Grind the toasted sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder until they form a coarse powder.
5. 5.
   In a bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and grated ginger. Mix well to form a smooth dressing.
6. 6.
   Add the blanched spinach to the dressing and toss gently until the spinach is well coated.
7. 7.
   Serve the Horenso no Goma-ae chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sesame seeds — Toasting the sesame seeds before grinding them enhances their flavor. Be careful not to burn them, as it can give a bitter taste to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a splash of rice vinegar to the dressing for a tangy flavor.
• If you prefer a smoother dressing, you can use a blender or food processor to grind the sesame seeds.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste preference.
• Serve the Horenso no Goma-ae as a side dish alongside grilled fish or teriyaki chicken for a complete Japanese meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Horenso no Goma-ae as a side dish or as part of a traditional Japanese meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the blanched spinach leaves neatly on a serving plate and drizzle the sesame dressing over the top. Sprinkle some additional sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.