KITCHEN QUICKIE: SESAME-SOY SPINACH

Do you remember Popeye the Sailor Man?

Image courtesy of comicvine.com

This cartoon character, invented by Ezie Crisler Segar,  was originally indestructible. When the brothers Max and Dave Fleischer when they made Popeye The Sailorman theatrical cartoon shorts for Paramount Pictures in the 1930s, they gave him the power of awesome strength everytime he chowed down spinach which they believed to have a huge amount of Iron (which made Popeye strong). 

Eventually, scientists figured out that, although spinach is rich in Iron (According to the USDA Nutrient Database, a180-g serving of boiled spinach contains 6.43 mg of iron versus the  4.42 mg. Iron content of a  a 170-g ground hamburger patty), it is also rich in Vitamin A and other nutrients that are good for you. 

Not many people, kids especially, like eating spinach, though, because of its slimy texture and tends to have a bitterness when overcooked. Here's a recipe that you can serve with chicken or pork  and make as fast as Popeye can beat Bluto.

SESAME-SOY SPINACH

INGREDIENTS:
3 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 small shallot, diced
1/2 lb fresh spinach
1 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Pepper to taste

TO MAKE
Prepare the spinach by soaking in cold water, drain and squeeze out the excess water. Separate the leaves from the stems. Set aside.

Toast the sesame seeds on a non-stick pan over high heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon so you don't burn the seeds. Set aside.

In the same pan, heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the shallots and garlic. Add the spinach and stir until the spinach has changed color and has wilted.

Stir in the brown sugar into the soy sauce and add to the pan. Add more soy sauce  and pepper to taste.

Top with the toasted sesame seeds before serving.