Description
This easy creamed spinach recipe offers a comforting side dish with a rich aroma and luxuriously creamy texture, making any meal special. It’s a family-friendly favorite that transforms simple greens into a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) fresh spinach, tough stems removed
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 30 g (0.25 cup) all-purpose flour
- 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk
- 120 ml (0.5 cup) heavy cream
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) minced fresh ginger
- 10 ml (2 teaspoons) toasted sesame oil
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) nutritional yeast, optional
- 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
- fine sea salt, to taste
- 60 ml (0.25 cup) neutral vegetable oil
- 3 cloves thinly sliced garlic
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach: Wash 1 kg (2.2 lbs) spinach. Saute in a large pot over medium-high heat until wilted, 3-5 minutes. Press firmly to extract liquid, then chop.
- Crispy Garlic: Heat 60 ml (0.25 cup) neutral oil in a small pan over medium-low heat. Fry 3 cloves sliced garlic until golden brown, 5-7 minutes. Drain and season lightly with salt.
- Make Roux: Melt 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 30 g (0.25 cup) flour for 1 minute, creating a smooth roux.
- Build Cream Sauce: Gradually whisk in 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk, then 120 ml (0.5 cup) heavy cream. Whisk until the sauce thickens to a gentle simmer, 5-7 minutes.
- Infuse Flavors: Add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional), and 0.5 teaspoon white pepper. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Combine and Finish: Fold chopped spinach into the sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Heat for 2-3 minutes until piping hot. Adjust salt to taste.
- Serve: Serve this creamed spinach warm, scattered with crispy garlic and black sesame seeds for delightful texture and presentation.
Notes
For a warming kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cream sauce. To make a healthier version, increase whole milk and reduce heavy cream. Shortcuts include using pre-minced garlic or thawed, well-squeezed frozen chopped spinach. Prep all ingredients before cooking to save time. For gluten-free, use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour; for dairy-free, swap butter for vegetable oil and use plant milk or cashew cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American (Fusion)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.75 cup (150 g)
- Calories: 220 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg
Keywords: creamed spinach, easy, weeknight dinner, side dish, comfort food, family-friendly, creamy, healthy eating, holiday