Vibrant Spinach Namul (Seasoned Spinach)
Easy and Healthy Spinach Side Dish, Perfect for Digestion and Preventing Constipation
Discover the simplicity of ‘Cheongwadae Spinach’ (a type of spinach known for its quality) transformed into a delicious and nutritious spinach namul. This recipe is designed to enhance digestive function and prevent constipation, offering a fresh and flavorful side dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 300-400g)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds (roasted or ground)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds (roasted or ground)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the spinach under running water. Pay special attention to the root area, as it can harbor soil. Trim off any yellow or wilted leaves. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a tiny pinch of salt. Briefly blanch the spinach for about 15-30 seconds. It’s crucial not to overcook the spinach, as it can become mushy and lose its nutrients. Immediately plunge the blanched spinach into cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, gently squeeze out excess water using your hands.
Step 2
Place the squeezed spinach into a mixing bowl. Now it’s time to season. Aligning the spinach roots to one side can help distribute the seasoning more evenly. First, add half a teaspoon of salt for a basic seasoning. Next, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount or use garlic juice instead.
Step 3
Follow with 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce for a savory depth. If you don’t have soup soy sauce, fish sauce (like anchovy or sand lance sauce) can be a good substitute. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and 1/2 tablespoon of toasted or ground sesame seeds. Adding sesame oil towards the end preserves its fragrant flavor.
Step 4
Gently toss and mix all the ingredients together with your hands. Avoid squeezing too hard; use a gentle, massaging motion with your fingertips to maintain the spinach’s crisp texture. The key to a good namul is to handle it delicately to preserve its natural flavor and texture.
Step 5
For a neater presentation, you can cut the spinach into two or three bite-sized portions. The spinach roots are particularly rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps alleviate constipation. Therefore, it’s beneficial to consume them rather than discard them. You can also save the roots to make a flavorful broth. Enjoy the nutritious roots for better digestive health.
Step 6
Transfer the perfectly seasoned spinach namul to a serving dish. Your delicious and healthy spinach side dish is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with a warm bowl of rice for a satisfying meal, or add it to your banchan spread for a vibrant addition to your table.
