Sesame Spinach Salad

20 ounces fresh spinach

2 small cloves garlic, finely minced

2 scallions, chopped

1/4-1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, to taste

2-3 teaspoons soy sauce, to taste

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Fill a large bowl with water and ice. Set aside.

Add spinach to boiling water and blanch for just a couple of seconds to wilt the leaves. Immediately remove spinach from boiling water and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. (You can do these steps in batches if you like.)

Drain spinach and squeeze out excess water. Roughly chop and add to a bowl. Mix in remaining ingredients. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Yields 1 1/2 cups.