Spinach Namul Recipe: Sweet and Nutty, Made Without Garlic
Spinach Namul Recipe: Sweet and Nutty, Made Without Garlic
A Vitamin Powerhouse! Delicious Spinach Namul
Enjoy a refreshing spinach namul, packed with minerals and vitamins. This version skips the garlic, letting the natural sweetness and nutty flavor of spinach shine through, enhanced by generous amounts of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds. It’s a simple yet incredibly nutritious side dish that complements any meal beautifully.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch spinach (approx. 200-300g)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 pinch gourmet salt (to adjust seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for rich nutty flavor)
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 pinch gourmet salt (to adjust seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for rich nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently shake off any dirt from the roots of the fresh spinach under running water. If the root ends are particularly thick, you can trim them slightly with a knife. If the spinach is clustered, separate the stems into 2-3 portions for easier handling.
Step 2
Fill a wide pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Then, carefully submerge the spinach into the boiling water, starting with the stems.
Step 3
The key is to blanch the spinach only until the water returns to a boil and you see small bubbles rising around the edges of the pot. Avoid overcooking, as this can diminish the spinach’s crisp texture and nutritional value. Be ready to remove the spinach as soon as it wilts.
Step 4
Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of cold water to shock it and stop the cooking process. This helps maintain its vibrant green color and crispness. Gently squeeze out the excess water with your hands; be careful not to press too hard, as this can make the spinach mushy.
Step 5
Place the squeezed spinach in a mixing bowl. Add the seasoning ingredients: 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce, a pinch of gourmet salt, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds. Gourmet salt helps enhance the natural sweetness while seasoning.
Step 6
Now, gently mix and toss the spinach with your hands to evenly distribute the seasonings. Be careful not to break the spinach leaves or stems. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Taste and add a tiny bit more gourmet salt if needed to achieve your preferred seasoning level.
Step 7
Finally, transfer the seasoned spinach namul to a serving dish. Garnish generously with more toasted sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your delicious, aromatic spinach namul, a perfect side dish bursting with flavor!
