Spinach with Sesame Dressing (from Japanese Home Cooking)

Ingredients

• 340 g spinach
• 5 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons dashi (I make up instant granules)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions

1. 1

   Wash spinach thorughly.

2. 2

   Boil in a potful of water, with stalks at the bottom, and leafy parts at the top, till soft.

3. 3

   Drain and rinse well.

4. 4

   Trim off the ends (leaving most of the stalk, but evening the bunch up) and squeeze out the water.

5. 5

   Cut into 4cm lengths.

6. 6

   Roast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over low heat until golden, Reserve a tablespoon for garnish, and half crush the rest with a pestle and mortar.

7. 7

   Add the soy sauce and dashi and mix well.

8. 8

   Loosen the spinach.

9. 9

   Add the dressing, and mix well.

10. 10

    Place in a small bowl and garnish with the reserved sesame seeds.

11. 11

    Cabbage, beans or watercress can be substituted to prepare similar dishes.