Spinach with Ginger Dressing
This easy spinach side dish makes a great addition to any meal- breakfast, lunch, or dinner! l like to keep the stems of the spinach long, as it gives a little crunch to the dish. Make sure to blanch the spinach for less than a minute as it cooks quickly.
Chinese Medicine Outlook
In Chinese Medicine Nutrition, spinach is considered both sweet and cool and brings a unique combination of flavors and health benefits. Its soothing qualities permeate through the digestive system, aiming to clear heat, alleviate restlessness, ease thirst, and promote regular bowel movements. Spinach has also been known, within the therapeutic application, in addressing Xiao ke syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as thirst, night blindness, difficulty urination, heat in the chest, and constipation.
Rich in digestive enzymes, this spinach dish boasts substantial amounts of calcium and iron. However, it's noteworthy that the absorption rate of these minerals may be relatively low. Individuals with Spleen deficiency that leads to diarrhea, as the dish might exacerbate their condition. On a broader health spectrum, this spinach preparation proves beneficial for those dealing with metabolic disorders, offering a flavorful and nourishing addition to their dietary choices.
The Ingredients
Spinach- I love spinach, especially for its versatility in meals, and how it can be dressed up with any flavor of the world. in TCM, eating a lot of spinach can help regulate digestive function for people prone to constipation. You can make this simple recipe for any greens actually.
Liquid Aminos- You can substitute tamari, soy sauce, or even coconut aminos for the liquid aminos.
Ginger- This herb is a staple in my cooking lineup. It adds a nice warmth to meals and helps support digestive function. Ginger is alo characterized by its acrid warmth, which permeates the Spleen, Stomach, and Lungs. When consumed in its fresh form, it not only releases the exterior and disperses cold but also strengthens the spleen, halts vomiting, cleanses toxins, and resolves phlegm. Modern research highlights ginger's anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, ginger serves as a remedy for pain relief, addressing dysmenorrhea caused by cold in the uterus and stomach spasms due to cold in the stomach.
Rice Vinegar- Rice vinegar is probably my favorite vinegar. I love the unique flavor. I always opt for the sugar-free variety, but the flavored rice vingear is pretty delicious too, and often adds a nice sweetness to many dishes.
Spinach with Ginger Dressing
Ingredients
1 lb. Spinach
1” Fresh ginger, peeled about 13g
1⁄2 tsp. Salt
1 Tbsp. Soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos
1 Tbsp. Sesame oil
1 Tbsp. Rice vinegar
Garnish- Sesame seeds
Procedure
Boil a pot of water, big enough to fit the bunch of spinach. Rinse the spinach thoroughly, then blanch in hot boiling water for 20-30 seconds, until bright green, make sure not to overcook. Use a strainer to pick up and drain the greens. Let the cooked spinach cool down on a large plate.
To make the dressing- peel and grate the fresh ginger, a micro planer is best to use. Mix in the salt, liquid aminos, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
Pour the dressing on top of the spinach and serve warm. Garnish with sesame seeds.
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