Stephen's Japanese Style Spinach Salad

There was a really good price on bagged Spinach when I was at the store the other day and I bought 2 bags. I decided I wanted to make a chopped Asian Spinach Salad and called my son to get his recipe. The way he makes it is wonderful.  He created this recipe and is letting me share it. It's easy to make and is a perfect side dish as it can be made ahead.  All that is required is to blanch the Spinach, then chop it. The dressing is made by toasting Sesame Seeds, then crushed and mixed with Mirin, Tamari, Sesame Oil and a bit of Sugar. That's it and it is so good!

Stephen's Japanese Style Spinach Salad

10 ounces Spinach Leaves (2 bags)

1/4 cup Sesame Seeds

2 Tablespoons Mirin

2 Tablespoons Tamari or Soy Sauce

1 Tablespoon toasted Sesame Oil

1 teaspoon Sugar

Heat a small pot of water to a boil. Add in the Spinach Leaves, press them down and let blanch for 1 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Then squeeze the leaves to remove more liquid.  Place the Spinach on the chopping board and chop into small pieces.  Put into a serving bowl. 

In a small frying pan, heat the Sesame Seeds until they are lightly brown and you can smell the fragrance of them. Remove from the heat and put into a Mortar.  Crush the Sesame Seeds with the Pestle.  Then add in the Mirin, Tamari, Sesame Oil and Sugar. Pour over the Spinach and toss to mix.  Serve immediately or refrigerate to serve later.

Five Element Analysis

Spinach, as a leafy green, clearly belongs to the Wood Element.  The Sesame Seeds, Sesame Oil and Tamari contribute the Water Element.  The Mirin contributes the Fire Element and since it's sweet brings in a hint of the Earth Element too as does the Sugar. Only the Metal Element is missing so be sure to serve this with Rice for more Metal and another Earth food to create a Five Element balance.