Description
A rich and comforting creamed spinach side dish made with fresh spinach and a creamy, flavorful sauce enhanced by garlic, parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg. Quick and easy to prepare, this versatile recipe pairs beautifully with steak, chicken, or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prep the Spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Roughly chop if desired to create a uniform texture in your creamed spinach.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion or shallot, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan in batches, stirring and allowing it to wilt evenly. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes until fully softened.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed spinach mixture if using for thickening, stirring well. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens, around 5 minutes.
- Season and Finish: Stir in grated parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for another minute and remove from heat.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the spinach to avoid a mushy texture and dull color.
- Add cream gradually while stirring to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth sauce.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding more cream or reducing cooking time.
- Season at the end after the sauce has thickened for balanced flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives such as coconut or cashew cream.
- You can thicken the sauce with almond flour for a low-carb or keto-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: creamed spinach, side dish, easy creamed spinach, spinach recipe, creamy spinach, healthy side, vegetarian side
