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Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach

A quick, creamy, and comforting side dish made with fresh spinach sautéed with garlic and onions, blended with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. This creamed spinach is velvety, flavorful, and a perfect complement to a variety of main dishes or enjoyed as a cozy vegetarian option.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 10 oz fresh spinach (or baby spinach)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any grit, then roughly chop it. If using baby spinach, you can keep the leaves whole. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Cook the Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down completely, stirring frequently. This usually takes 3 to 5 minutes depending on the amount of spinach.
  4. Make the Cream Base: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy—about 3 more minutes.
  5. Season and Serve: Add a pinch of nutmeg along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and remove from heat. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Notes

  • Drain Excess Liquid: After cooking the spinach, squeeze out any excess water to prevent a watery sauce.
  • Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach offers a brighter flavor and better texture than frozen.
  • Grate Cheese Freshly: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and delivers richer taste.
  • Don’t Overcook: Cook spinach just enough to wilt; overcooking can lead to bland texture and dull color.
  • Balance Texture: Add a small amount of cream gradually to get the perfect consistency without making it too runny.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamed spinach, spinach side dish, creamy spinach, easy vegetable side, gluten free side dish, quick spinach recipe