Sigumchi Namul (Korean Spinach Salad)

Sigumchi Namul is a seasoned spinach salad that is commonly served as banchan (Korean side dish), and is a great accompaniment to rice and other main dishes. For such a simple dish, it has a great flavour coming from the soy and sesame oil, and the sesame seeds gives it the toastiness that it needs. I served this with the Yangnyeom Tongdak that I made for dinner last night. It's really easy to prepare and here's how:

Sigumchi Namul (Korean Spinach Salad)

Ingredients

1 bunch spinach
1/2 tsp light soy sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sugar
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Method

Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 2 tsp salt. Blanch the spinach for half a minute, remove and rinse under cold running water for half a minute. Use hands to gently squeeze out excess water from the spinach. Roughly cut the spinach into 1 1/2 inch lengths. Place the spinach in a bowl and add soy, salt, sugar and sesame oil. Toss well to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve as a side dish.