This recipe is for a Korean spinach side dish called namul. Namul dishes showcase boldly seasoned vegetables and this one combines spinach with toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil and garlic. The sesame seeds are always toasted before using to enhance the flavor. This namul can be served alone or as part of bibimbap, a Korean rice and vegetable bowl dish.

1. Sesame-Seasoned Spinach<br />leftcenterIn Korea there is an entire category of side dishes called namul. These are boldly seasoned vegetables from the land and the sea. This particular recipe reflects Korea’s love of both spinach and sesame seeds. The seeds are always toasted before serving for a boost of flavor. This namul can be served alone or as one of the colorful elements in bibimbap.<br />Ingredients<br />1/4 cup water<br />1 pound baby spinach (about 20 cups)<br />1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (see Tip)<br />2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce<br />2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil<br />1 small clove garlic, minced<br />Preparation<br />Place water in a very large pot or Dutch oven and bring to a boil over high heat. Add spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until completely wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a colander and let stand until cool enough to handle. Squeeze out excess water.<br />Coarsely chop the spinach. Place in a bowl and mix in sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil and garlic. Serve at room temperature.<br />Nutrition<br />Per serving : 56 Calories; 4 g Fat; 1 g Sat; 1 g Mono; 0 mg Cholesterol; 4 g Carbohydrates; 3 g Protein; 2 g Fiber; 152 mg Sodium; 424 mg Potassium<br />Tips & Notes<br />Kitchen Tip: To toast nuts and seeds, cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.<br />