Recipe(tried): Japanese Spinach with Sesame Seed Dressing (Horenso Goma-ae)

Japanese Spinach with Sesame Seed Dressing (Horenso Goma-ae)
Serve 4

3 Tbsp white sesame seeds
1/2 tsp sugar
2 Tbsp light soy sauce
3 Tbsp dashi
large pinch of salt
500g fresh spinach, washed, thick stems discarded
1 tsp vegetable oil

brown the sesame seeds in a heavy based frying pan over low heat until golden brown, about 3 minutes.

Set aside 1 tsp of the toasted sesame seeds for garnish. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the remaining seeds until smooth.

Blend in the sugar, soy sauce and dash to make the dressing. Set aside.

Drain excess water from the washed spinach. Heat oil in a medium saucepan and add a handful of the spinach leaves, stirring with a wooden spoon until leaves have wilted. Continue stirring, adding more spinach as each previous batch cooks down.

Place cooked spinach in a colander to squeeze out any excess moisture. Combine spinach and dressing in a small bowl, and serve either hot or at room temperature. Garnish with reserved sesame seeds.