Simple Japanese Home Cooking: Horenso no Goma-ae (Sesame Spinach)

# Simple Japanese Home Cooking: Horenso no Goma-ae (Sesame Spinach)

Want to add a touch of Japanese flair to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen? Then try Horenso no Goma-ae, a simple and delicious sesame spinach dish! It’s a staple in Japanese cuisine, often served as a side dish or appetizer. The creamy sesame dressing perfectly complements the slightly bitter spinach, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor.

This recipe is incredibly easy, even for beginners! Here’s what you’ll need:

**Ingredients:**

* 1 bunch fresh spinach (about 10 oz)
* 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (preferably toasted)
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 tablespoon water

**Instructions:**

1. **Blanch the spinach:** Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for about 30 seconds, or until wilted. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and retain its vibrant green color. Squeeze out excess water thoroughly.
2. **Make the dressing:** In a small bowl, combine the sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and water. You can use a mortar and pestle to grind the sesame seeds for a smoother, richer dressing, but it’s perfectly fine to just leave them as they are.
3. **Combine:** Chop the blanched spinach roughly and add it to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat the spinach evenly.
4. **Serve:** Serve Horenso no Goma-ae chilled or at room temperature. It’s a refreshing side dish that pairs well with grilled fish, rice, or other Japanese dishes. In Japan, you might find it served at a casual dinner, a bento box lunch, or even as part of a kaiseki meal (a multi-course traditional Japanese haute cuisine).

Enjoy your homemade Horenso no Goma-ae! It’s a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy way to introduce yourself to the world of Japanese home cooking.