Sweet Winter Spinach Namul: Perfectly Seasoned with Just 3 Ingredients!
Simple & Delicious Spinach Side Dish Recipe
Winter spinach, especially ‘Seomcho’ (island spinach), is exceptionally sweet and flavorful this time of year. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness and freshness of spinach by using only three simple seasonings. It’s incredibly easy to make and is sure to become a favorite side dish on your table!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 200-250g)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for blanching)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for nutty flavor, can substitute with sesame oil)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for added texture and aroma)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for nutty flavor, can substitute with sesame oil)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for added texture and aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Selecting Your Spinach: Look for ‘Seomcho’ (island spinach) during winter. The best spinach has vibrant red roots, thick stems and leaves, and a glossy sheen on its leaves. Choosing fresh, high-quality spinach is the first step to a delicious namul.
Step 2
Preparing and Washing the Spinach: Trim away any yellow or wilted leaves. Lightly trim the very end of the roots, but keep the red root part as it’s nutritious and flavorful. Make a few shallow cuts into the root and then divide the spinach into 3-4 sections. Rinse the spinach thoroughly in cold water multiple times to remove all dirt and grit. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands.
Step 3
Blanching the Spinach: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the coarse sea salt. Add the prepared spinach and blanch for just 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as it will become mushy. Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, gently squeeze out any remaining water.
Step 4
Adding the Seasonings: Place the blanched and squeezed spinach in a mixing bowl. Add the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp perilla oil, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. (Using raw perilla oil will give a richer nutty flavor, but toasted sesame oil is also a great option.)
Step 5
Mixing to Perfection: Gently toss and mix the spinach with the seasonings using your hands, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Avoid mixing too vigorously, as this can affect the fresh flavor. And there you have it – a perfectly seasoned, sweet spinach namul! Enjoy this delightful side dish with your favorite meal.
