Seasonal “Seomcho” Spinach Namul
Seasonal “Seomcho” Spinach Namul
Sweet & Savory “Seomcho” Spinach Salad: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
Experience the natural sweetness of ‘Seomcho,’ a special type of spinach that’s at its peak flavor this season. This recipe focuses on bringing out that inherent sweetness with a basic seasoning. ‘Seomcho,’ ‘spinach,’ and ‘flat spinach’ all refer to the same delicious ingredient. Enjoy this nutritious and easy-to-make side dish!
Ingredients- Seomcho (Spinach) 400g
- White parts of green onion (scallion) a small amount
- Salt for blanching 1 tsp
Seasoning- Salt 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Finely ground toasted sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
- Perilla oil (deulgireum) 1 Tbsp
- Salt 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Finely ground toasted sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
- Perilla oil (deulgireum) 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the ‘Seomcho’ spinach, known for its flat leaves. Gently remove any bruised or yellowed leaves. It’s best to leave the roots intact after trimming any dirt; they add to the flavor and nutritional value.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tsp of salt. Carefully add the prepared Seomcho spinach and blanch for just 30 seconds. Over-blanching will diminish its crisp texture and sweetness, so be mindful of the time.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, transfer the spinach to a bowl of cold water. Gently swish and rinse it 2-3 times in the cold water. This step helps the spinach retain its vibrant color and firm texture, while also washing away any residual impurities.
Step 4
Once rinsed, gently squeeze out excess water from the spinach using your hands. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can mash the leaves. After draining, tear the spinach into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5
Finely mince the white parts of the green onion and add them to the bowl with the spinach. Now, add 1 tsp of salt, 1 Tbsp of finely ground toasted sesame seeds, and 1 Tbsp of perilla oil. It’s best to start with less salt and adjust to your personal taste as you mix. (*Tip: If perilla oil is unavailable, sesame oil can be used as a substitute for a delicious result.)
Step 6
For this particular recipe, minced garlic was intentionally omitted, but you can add a very small amount if you prefer. Gently but firmly mix the ingredients with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the spinach. Your delicious ‘Seomcho’ spinach namul is now ready to be enjoyed! Savor its sweet and nutty flavors.
