Goma-ae

Goma-ae is a delightful Japanese appetizer featuring blanched greens dressed in a rich, nutty sesame sauce. This vegan dish is not only simple to prepare but also bursts with umami flavor, making it a perfect starter or side dish.

Ingredients

• Spinach - 150 grams
• White sesame seeds - 30 grams
• Soy sauce - 15 ml
• Maple syrup - 10 ml
• Sesame oil - 5 ml
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Water - 500 ml

Steps

1. Bring 500 ml of water to a boil in a pot.
2. Add the spinach to the boiling water and blanch for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
3. Remove the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
4. Once cooled, drain the spinach and gently squeeze out excess water. Set aside.
5. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the white sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
6. Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a mortar and pestle or a food processor and grind them until they are coarsely ground.
7. In a bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Mix well to form a creamy dressing.
8. Roughly chop the blanched spinach and add it to the bowl with the sesame dressing. Toss until the spinach is evenly coated.
9. Serve the goma-ae immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving for a refreshing taste.

Nutrition

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbs: 9 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from spinach, promoting overall health.
• High in healthy fats from sesame seeds, supporting heart health.

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