Easy Peasy Horenso no Goma-ae: Japanese Spinach with Sesame Dressing!

# Easy Peasy Horenso no Goma-ae: Japanese Spinach with Sesame Dressing!

Hi everyone! Today, we’re making a super simple and healthy Japanese side dish: Horenso no Goma-ae (ほうれん草のごま和え). It’s basically spinach with a delicious sesame dressing, and it’s surprisingly quick to make! This dish is a staple in many Japanese homes, often appearing as a side with grilled fish or rice. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a healthy addition to any meal.

**What you’ll need:**

* 1 bunch of fresh spinach (about 100g)
* 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste) – you can find this in most supermarkets!
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine – adds a lovely subtle sweetness)
* 1 tablespoon water (or more, to adjust consistency)
* 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)
* Sesame seeds (for garnish)

**Let’s get cooking!**

1. **Blanch the spinach:** Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for about 30 seconds, just until it wilts. Immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process and keep the vibrant green color. Squeeze out any excess water.
2. **Make the dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, mirin, water, and sugar (if using) until smooth. You might need to add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
3. **Combine:** Chop the blanched spinach roughly and add it to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
4. **Serve:** Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately. Enjoy!

This simple dish is packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy spinach even if you’re not a huge fan. The creamy sesame dressing is so addictive! You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking – add a little more soy sauce for saltiness or more mirin for sweetness.