Open Sesame

Yes, we have been woefully neglectful of this blog but our CSA 2010 is in full swing - it is week 8 already which is totally crazy. Anyway, just wanted to share a very easy, very delicious recipe that originally is intended for spinach but we attempted with a mix of beet greens and chard with tasty results. So since we are getting a lot of greens, we think this recipe is a nice change of pace and could make even the most ardent green-hater or skeptic smile. It is from the book Japanese Women Don't Get Old or Fat by Naomi Moriyama which isn't exactly a cookbook but a great read with a lot of authentic japanese recipes.

One bunch of greens (book says spinach, but it is great with stronger greens)
2 1/2 tablespoons toasted and ground white sesame seeds (grind in a food processor, chopper or mortar and pestle til coursely chopped)
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 reduced-sodium soy sauce
Pinch of salt

clean greens. bring large saucepan of water to a boil and cook greens for about a minute, til they are slightly wilted and still green. drain and refresh under cold water. squeeze out excess water.

combine toasted and ground sesame seeds in a small bowl with the sugar, soy and a pinch of salt. stir until well-mixed.

cut the greens into 1-inch pieces, squeeze out excess water and place in a small bowl. pour the sesame mixture over the greens, toss well to combine.

makes a great side dish for any asian dish. we made miso sea bass and coconut rice and the greens matched beautifully. super yum.