Creamed Spinach

My Go-To Creamed Spinach Recipe

As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that don't sacrifice flavor. This creamed spinach recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's incredibly versatile – it's delicious as a simple side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon, and it’s also a fantastic addition to shepherd's pie, adding a burst of freshness and vibrant green color to the comforting warmth of the main dish. I often double the recipe, portioning some out for immediate enjoyment and freezing the rest for a future quick meal solution.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. There's no need for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. The result is a creamy, flavorful spinach dish that's both satisfying and elegant. It’s the perfect balance between home-cooked comfort and restaurant-quality taste, something I appreciate as a busy wife and mother striving to keep a well-balanced and flavorful meal on the table each night.

The secret to truly excellent creamed spinach lies in properly preparing the spinach. Blanching it quickly in boiling water ensures that it retains its vibrant green color and a tender texture. Don’t overcook it! The key is to wilt it just enough—a minute or two is all you need. Then, a good squeeze to remove excess moisture is crucial for preventing a watery final product. This simple step makes all the difference in achieving that luxurious, creamy consistency.

The creamy sauce itself is incredibly easy to make. A simple roux (butter and flour) forms the base, creating a smooth, velvety texture. Adding warm milk gradually while whisking prevents lumps and ensures a perfect consistency. A touch of freshly grated nutmeg provides a warm, earthy note that complements the spinach beautifully; don’t underestimate this simple addition! The final touch is freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a savory, salty depth and richness to the overall dish. The final seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper is adjusted to your personal preference.

Beyond the Basics: While this recipe is perfect as is, don't hesitate to experiment! Add a splash of cream for extra richness. Sautéed mushrooms or garlic could introduce additional depth of flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and adds a lovely zing. You can even use different types of cheese such as Gruyere or Fontina for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!

This recipe is a true testament to the fact that simple doesn’t have to mean boring. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious side dish that will impress your family and friends. It's a recipe I return to again and again, and I'm confident it will become a staple in your kitchen, too.

So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy side dish that’s bursting with flavor, give this creamed spinach a try. You won't be disappointed!

Step-by-step

• Cook spinach in 1 inch of boiling salted water in a large pot, covered, stirring once or twice, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water until cool.
• Squeeze small handfuls of spinach to remove as much moisture as possible, then coarsely chop.
• Cook onion in butter in a small heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes.
• Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.
• Add warm milk and simmer, whisking, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Whisk in parmesan, salt, nutmeg, and pepper to taste.
• Add spinach and cook, stirring, until heated through.