Japanese Spinach with Creamy Sesame (Goma-ae)

Blanch the spinach:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add in spinach and blanch for 30 seconds.
3. Drain spinach and immediately rinse under cold running water, or place into an ice bath.
4. Squeeze the spinach out of excess moisture and cut into bite-sized pieces.
5. Place spinach into a bowl. Set aside.

Make the sesame dressing:

1. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Transfer to a mortar & pestle or small food processor and grind until the sesame seeds form a coarse paste.
3. Mix in soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil.

Assemble:

1. Add the sesame dressing to the spinach and toss until well coated.
2. Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds.
3. Serve at room temperature or chilled.