Spinach Namul with Winter “Seomcho” (Island Spinach)
Kim Daesuk’s Signature Spinach Side Dish: Enhanced with Onion for a Richer Flavor
Enjoy the delicious sweetness of ‘seomcho’ or ‘namhaecho’ spinach, perfect for winter, enhanced with the addition of onion for a wonderfully balanced flavor!
Ingredients- 200g Spinach (recommend winter varieties like Seomcho, Namhaecho, or Pohangcho for their sweetness)
- 1/4 medium Onion
- 1/2 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently trim the very end of the spinach roots, removing only the excess soil. The roots are packed with sweetness and nutrients, so avoid cutting too much. If your spinach is large, cut it into bite-sized pieces, usually into four segments. Rinse the spinach thoroughly 2-3 times under cold running water.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Adding salt helps the spinach retain its vibrant green color and crisp texture. Add the spinach to the boiling water and gently stir, submerging it for about 40-50 seconds until it wilts slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as it will become mushy. Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of cold water and rinse quickly twice to stop the cooking process. Gently squeeze out excess water, leaving a little moisture in the spinach. Squeezing too dry can make the namul feel stiff.
Step 3
Peel and wash the onion. Slice it thinly into julienne strips. Thinly sliced onion will blend better with the spinach and add a pleasant sweetness to the dish.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched spinach and thinly sliced onion. Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Start by seasoning with soy sauce for soup to establish the base flavor, then adjust with salt as needed to reach your preferred taste. Gently toss everything together with your hands until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, which can break down the spinach. Sprinkle with additional toasted sesame seeds before serving.
