Description
Creamy, rich classic creamed spinach elevates simple greens into a luxurious side dish that whispers Southern comfort. Savory garlic and velvety cream meld perfectly, offering you a delectable companion to roasted meats or elegant dinner centerpieces.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 packages (10 ounces / 280 grams) fresh spinach, trimmed
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons (22.5 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) white pepper
Instructions
- Arrange a steamer basket in a Dutch oven with water. Steam spinach in multiple batches for 3-4 minutes until completely wilted, ensuring each batch receives even heat.
- Transfer steamed spinach to a colander, allowing excess moisture to drain. Once cooled, gently squeeze out remaining water and coarsely chop the leaves.
- Melt butter in the same Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until they become translucent and soft, developing a gentle golden color.
- Sprinkle flour, salt, and white pepper into the onion mixture. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, integrated base for the sauce.
- Slowly pour milk and cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
- Fold in grated Parmesan cheese and prepared chopped spinach. Gently heat the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and warmed through.
- Serve immediately, presenting a rich, creamy spinach side dish with a delicate blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Moisture Management Squeeze spinach thoroughly to prevent watery, soggy side dish that can dilute the rich, creamy texture.
- Cheese Selection Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor intensity and smooth melting compared to pre-packaged options.
- Temperature Control Watch sauce carefully while whisking to avoid scorching or creating lumpy consistency during thickening process.
- Dietary Adaptations Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and nutritional yeast for vegan version, maintaining similar luxurious mouthfeel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 155 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 282 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg