Name: Creamed Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh spinach leaves, washed and trimmed; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Description

Creamed Spinach is a rich and velvety side dish made with fresh spinach leaves cooked in a buttery, garlicky roux thickened with flour and milk, then finished with a touch of nutmeg and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Perfectly tender and creamy, this classic American recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Spinach

2 pounds fresh spinach leaves, washed and trimmed

Base and Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Blanch the Spinach: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach and chop roughly.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic while stirring constantly. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, making sure to stir continually to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Combine with Spinach and Seasonings: Add the chopped spinach, ground nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
Serve Warm: Transfer the creamed spinach to serving dishes and enjoy as a delicious side to complement your meal.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or skim milk.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach to prevent the dish from becoming watery.