Sigeumchi Namul is a popular Korean side dish made with blanched spinach seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. This simple and healthy salad is a staple in Korean cuisine and is often served as part of a traditional meal. The dish is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to any Korean dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions:

1. Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the spinach for about 30 seconds.
3. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
4. Squeeze out any excess water from the spinach and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Toss the chopped spinach in the dressing until well coated.
7. Serve the Sigeumchi Namul chilled or at room temperature as a side dish.

Tips:

• For a more authentic flavor, use Korean soy sauce and sesame oil.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
• You can add finely chopped green onions or toasted seaweed for extra flavor and texture.

Enjoy this simple and delicious Korean spinach salad as a healthy side dish or light meal. Sigeumchi Namul is versatile and pairs well with rice, grilled meats, and other Korean dishes. Try making this refreshing salad at home and impress your family and friends with your Korean cooking skills!