Seasoned Spinach

Korean Seasoned Spinach Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious!

Region / culture: Korea | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 minute | Servings: 2

Introduction

Seasoned spinach is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This recipe combines the earthy taste of spinach with the savory flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame seeds. It is a great side dish to accompany any meal.

History

Spinach has been a popular vegetable for centuries, prized for its health benefits and versatility in cooking. This seasoned spinach recipe is a modern twist on a classic dish, adding Asian-inspired flavors to enhance the natural taste of the spinach.

Ingredients

10 oz (283 g) of spinach
2 tbsp of soy sauce
0.5 tsp of garlic powder
2 tsp of sesame seed oil
2 tsp of sesame seed
a pinch of salt

How to prepare

Boil water and add clean spinach leaves.
Place spinach in the boiling water and cook for approximately one minute.
Remove spinach from the water and rinse under running tap water.
Squeeze out excess water from the spinach.
Add soy sauce, sesame seed oil, sesame seeds, garlic powder, and salt for taste.
Mix all the ingredients well.

Variations

Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
Stir in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- Do not overcook the spinach, as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, adding more or less soy sauce, garlic, or sesame seeds as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Seasoned spinach pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It can also be served alongside rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the spinach helps to retain its bright green color and crisp texture.

- Squeezing out excess water ensures that the dish is not too watery.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute olive oil or avocado oil for sesame seed oil if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Seasoned spinach can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve seasoned spinach with a side of steamed rice and grilled salmon for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of seasoned spinach contains approximately 70 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of seasoned spinach contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of seasoned spinach contains approximately 4 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of seasoned spinach contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. It is not suitable for those with soy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Seasoned spinach is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that is high in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

Summary

Seasoned spinach is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for adding a healthy dose of greens to your meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend Betty for our weekly tea and gossip session. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of seasoned spinach wafted through the air, making my mouth water.

Betty was busy chopping onions and garlic, her hands moving with practiced ease as she prepared the ingredients for the dish. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making, and she smiled mischievously before handing me a handwritten recipe card.

"This, my dear, is my secret recipe for seasoned spinach," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations, and today, I am going to teach you how to make it."

I was overjoyed at the thought of learning Betty's coveted recipe, and I eagerly watched as she demonstrated each step with precision and care. She explained that the key to making the dish truly delicious was to use fresh spinach, sautéed with a blend of spices and herbs that would bring out the natural flavors of the leafy greens.

As I helped Betty in the kitchen, I listened intently to her stories about how she had learned to make seasoned spinach from her mother, who had learned it from her grandmother, and so on. Each generation had added their own twist to the recipe, making it a cherished family tradition that was passed down with love and care.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the seasoned spinach was finally ready, and Betty served it up in a large, steaming bowl. The vibrant green color of the spinach was complemented by the rich aroma of the spices, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

With the first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The spinach was tender and flavorful, with a hint of smokiness from the cumin and paprika that Betty had added. It was a perfect balance of savory and spicy, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I perfected Betty's recipe for seasoned spinach, making it my own by adding a touch of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness. I shared the dish with my family and friends, who were always eager to taste my spin on the traditional recipe.

As time passed, I continued to expand my culinary repertoire, learning new recipes and techniques from various sources. I collected cookbooks, attended cooking classes, and experimented in my own kitchen, always seeking to improve my skills and create new dishes that would delight and nourish those I loved.

But no matter how many recipes I tried or how many cooking adventures I embarked on, seasoned spinach remained a constant in my repertoire. It was a dish that brought me comfort and joy, reminding me of the special bond I shared with Betty and the generations of women who had passed down their culinary wisdom to me.

Today, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing a fresh batch of seasoned spinach for my grandchildren, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that has been bestowed upon me. I know that one day, my grandchildren will learn to make this dish from me, just as I learned it from Betty so many years ago.

And as they take their first bite of seasoned spinach, I hope that they, too, will be transported to a world of flavors and memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. For in the kitchen, as in life, the magic of cooking lies in the simple act of sharing a meal with those we love.