Spinach Goma Ae

This is one of my favorite Japanese vegetable dishes. It is so simple to make (only 4 ingredients!) but has such a nice balance of flavors. I first learned how to spinach goma ae when I was in college, and my Japanese roommate, Misaki, and I would take sugar packets and soy sauce from the school cafeteria. I know, I was quite rebellious back then. Anyways, you can make this side dish with boiled spinach, soy sauce, sugar (raw, white, or I used agave nectar), and sesame seeds (usually made with white sesame seeds, but I only had black ones so I just used those). Spinach goma ae is on the menu at the Japanese restaurant that I work at, but I can't understand why anyone would pay $6.25 for something that is so easy to make.

Spinach goma ae Recipe:

1 lb washed spinach
4 Tablespoons roasted sesame seeds
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons soy sauce

Bring a large pot of water to boil and add washed spinach. Boil until just wilted, about 30 seconds or less, depending on how thick the spinach leaves are. Immediately remove from heat and drain hot water from pot and fill with cold water to stop cooking. Continue until spinach is no longer warm. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Cut spinach into 2 inch lengths and set aside.

Make the sauce: Add sesame seeds to mortar and pestle or food processor and roughly crush seeds. Then add sugar and soy sauce and continue to mix until well combined. Pour dressing over spinach and mix well so that all of spinach is dressed. Serve cold or room temperature with rice, miso soup or other Japanese dishes.