Japanese: Ohitashi (Sesame Spinach)

Recipe by Paul Young <info@cooking-with-paul.com>

(serves 2, about ½ cup per serving)

Ingredients:

• Water and ice
• 1 lb spinach, washed and large stems removed
• 1½ tablespoons soy sauce
• 1½ tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Procedure:

1. Have an ice bath ready
2. Add spinach to a large soup pot; add about ½ cup of water; cover and cook until wilted (about 2 to 3 minutes)
3. Drain the spinach in a colander, shock in ice bath (to retain color of spinach), then drain again
4. Squeeze dry and transfer to a mixing bowl
5. Add soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil; mixed with hands
6. Transfer spinach to serving bowl(s)
7. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds; serve at room temperature.