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This vibrant dish marries fresh mature spinach leaves with a creamy tahini sauce for a healthy and satisfying side or light meal. The bright green spinach contrasts beautifully with the nutty, slightly sweet sauce making every bite comforting and refreshing.
I first tried this dish on a busy weeknight and was amazed by how quickly it came together and how much flavor it delivered. It has become a favorite way to enjoy spinach in my home.
Ingredients
- One tablespoon tahini: which provides a creamy sesame paste base with rich flavor
- Two teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce: to add umami without overwhelming saltiness
- One teaspoon rice vinegar: offering a subtle acidity to balance the sauce
- One teaspoon sugar: to round out the flavors with gentle sweetness
- One teaspoon water: to adjust sauce consistency for perfect pourability
- One pound fresh mature spinach leaves: selected for their robust flavor and texture
- Salt for the boiling water: to season the spinach as it cooks
- One teaspoon sesame oil: for a fragrant finish that enhances the sesame notes
- Salt: to taste for final seasoning
- Toasted sesame seeds: for garnish adding crunch and nuttiness
- Ice water: for shocking the spinach and preserving its vibrant color
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Tahini Sauce:
- In a small bowl combine tahini soy sauce rice vinegar sugar and water. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and has a pourable consistency adding a little more water if needed. Set aside until serving.
- Prepare the Ice Bath:
- Fill a large bowl with cold water and plenty of ice cubes. Keep it near your cooking area for quick access.
- Cook the Spinach:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spinach leaves and cook for one to two minutes until they are tender but still bright green.
- Shock and Drain:
- Immediately transfer the cooked spinach into the ice water bath to halt cooking and lock in the bright color. Let it cool for one to two minutes and then drain thoroughly in a colander.
- Remove Excess Water:
- Using your hands or a clean kitchen towel squeeze the cooled spinach firmly to remove as much water as possible. This step is key to preventing a watery dish and intensifying flavor.
- Season and Serve:
- Place the drained spinach in a serving bowl. Drizzle with sesame oil toss gently season with salt and drizzle the prepared tahini sauce on top. Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds generously over the dish.
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I especially enjoy the nutty aroma sesame oil brings to this dish. It reminds me of meals shared with family on relaxed evenings where simple ingredients shine.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The tahini sauce can be made in advance and combined just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and vibrant.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use tamari in place of soy sauce to make this gluten-free. Substitute maple syrup for sugar to add a different layer of sweetness. Add minced garlic or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra flavor and heat.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with grilled fish chicken or roasted vegetables. Serve over brown rice quinoa or toss with noodles for a satisfying main course. Add sliced hard boiled eggs for added protein and texture.
Cultural Context
This recipe draws from Middle Eastern and Asian culinary traditions where tahini and sesame flavors are cherished staples. The blanch and shock technique is common in Japanese cuisine to preserve color nutrition and texture creating a dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → How do I keep the spinach bright green?
Blanch the spinach briefly, then plunge it into an ice water bath to stop cooking and lock in its vibrant color.
- → Can I prepare the tahini sauce in advance?
Yes, the tahini sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
- → What can I serve with spinach and tahini sauce?
It pairs well with grilled fish, chicken, rice dishes, or roasted vegetables, and can be served over noodles or grains.
- → How do I adjust the sauce consistency?
If it’s too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time. If too thin, mix in a bit more tahini until it coats a spoon nicely.
- → Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, it is completely plant-based and fits well into vegan meal plans without any modifications.
- → Can I enjoy this dish cold?
Absolutely. It’s delicious served chilled, making it a refreshing option for warm-weather meals.