Spinach with Sesame Sauce

Serves 4

Combining spinach with a creamy sauce is a universally popular way to enjoy these iron-rich greens. This Japanese side dish of cooked spinach coated with a ground sesame seed sauce is called gomai. It is typically served at room temperature, but is also delicious served hot. For a different flavor twist, use peanut butter or almond butter instead of sesame butter.

Gluten Free

Soy Free

3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk

3 tablespoons tahini (sesame butter)

1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil or 1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 pound fresh baby spinach, well washed

Salt and ground black pepper

Gomasio, optional garnish

In a small bowl, combine the coconut milk and sesame butter until blended. Set aside.

Heat the oil or water in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ginger and cumin, and cook for 30 seconds. Add the spinach and stir-fry until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Stir in the reserved sesame butter mixture, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, stirring frequently, until creamy, 5 to 7 minutes.

Serve hot or at room temperature, sprinkled with gomasio, if using.