Japanese Sesame Spinach

Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

Step 2: Fill a bowl with ice water.

Step 3: Blanch the spinach for 20 to 30 seconds in the boiling water and transfer to the ice water bath using tongs.

Step 4: Drain and gently squeeze out the excess water. Chop coarsely.

Step 5: Make the dressing.

Step 6: Toast your sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat shaking the pan constantly until the seeds turn light golden brown and smell nutty.

Step 7: Transfer 2 tablespoons to a mortar and pestle or a spice mill reserving the rest for garnish.

Step 8: Allow to cool and then grind the seeds just until crushed.

Step 9: Combine the soy sauce and sugar in a small bowl

Step 10: And stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 11: Add the rice vinegar then stir in the sesame seeds.

Step 12: Toss the dressing with the spinach until it’s all lightly coated with the dressing.

Step 13: To serve drizzle with the sesame oil and reserved sesame seeds.