Welcome to the world of classic creamed spinach, a delectable dish that combines the richness of cream and the vibrant flavor of spinach. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to impress, this article will guide you through the journey of creating the perfect creamed spinach at home. With careful consideration of ingredients, cooking techniques, and WW points, you'll be able to savor this timeless side dish without compromising your health goals. From selecting the freshest spinach to mastering the art of creating a velvety smooth sauce, this article will provide you with all the essential tips, tricks, and recipes you need to make creamed spinach that's both delicious and better-for-you.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
CLASSIC CREAMED SPINACH
Using fresh spinach instead of frozen really enhances the flavor of this classic recipe from Ann Van Dyk of Wrightstown, Wisconsin. The hint of nutmeg makes this side dish even more appealing.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, cook spinach in oil until wilted, 3 minutes. Remove from pan; set aside. Melt butter in the Dutch oven; add onion and saute until crisp-tender, 2 minutes. , Stir in flour, salt and nutmeg until combined. Gradually whisk in milk until blended. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 2 minutes. Add the chopped spinach. Reduce heat to low; cook, uncovered, until heated through, 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 318 calories, Fat 27g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 581mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
CLASSIC CREAMED SPINACH
I can't resist a pat-on-my-back moment here--I rock at making creamed spinach. And I'm sharing this recipe with you because I want you to feel the same kind of confidence. Hidden in this seemingly straightforward recipe are lots of skills and foundational techniques, such as making a roux and a bechamel and sauteing onions. When you master this, you can say you're awesome at cooking--and you're definitely ready to graduate to the next chapter ("The Scary Stuff"!). Plus, this steakhouse classic is a great way to get everyone chowing down on iron-rich spinach.
Provided by Amanda Freitag
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield Makes 8 cups, to serve 8 to 10
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Blanch the spinach. Bring 1 gallon water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of kosher salt. Place the spinach in the boiling water. After 45 seconds (exactly), remove the spinach leaves with a slotted spoon, spider or tongs and drain in a colander. Let cool completely.
- Use your hands to press the spinach against the sides of the colander. When most of the liquid has been released, squeeze handfuls of the spinach to make sure all of the excess water has been removed. Set aside.
- In a wide, high-sided saute pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. With a wooden spoon, stir the flour into the melted butter to create a roux that will look like wet sand. Cook the roux for 3 minutes, stirring continuously to make sure it doesn't burn and it becomes a "blond" color. Add the milk to the roux, whisking vigorously to make sure that the roux completely dissolves into the milk without lumping.
- Turn down the heat to maintain a low simmer. You're making a bechamel sauce, which is the base for the creamed spinach. Next, whisk in the cream and return the mixture to a simmer. Cook the bechamel until thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Season the sauce with the salt, pepper and cayenne.
- Preheat a small saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let heat for about 1 minute. Add the onions and season with a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook an additional minute or two.
- Add the cooked onion and garlic along with the drained spinach to the bechamel, folding to make sure it's completely coated with sauce. Season with the nutmeg. Cook for 2 minutes, then taste the spinach. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and the nutmeg, and/or more cayenne if desired.
EASY CREAMED SPINACH
Creamed spinach is usually made with a rich white sauce called béchamel, which is one of the French mother sauces-or base sauces on which an array of other dishes are built. We simplified the lengthy prep of making a roux that is then thinned with milk by simply stirring low-fat cream cheese into the hot wilted spinach. The result is equally creamy and surprisingly tasty. Consider adding a few gratings of nutmeg along with the salt and pepper for a hint of spice.
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; add shallots and sauté until golden, about 2 minutes. Add scallions and sauté 1 minute more.
- Add spinach to skillet in batches, tossing mixture and adding more spinach as some of it cooks down. Cook, tossing, until wilted and tender, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese just until melted; stir in salt and pepper. Serve immediately. Yields about 1/2 cup per serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 79 kcal
CLASSIC CREAMED SPINACH - WW POINTS = 1
This recipe comes from my Weight Watchers Magazine, November/December 2008. This issue has several "make ahead recipes" for easy Holiday planning. "Make 1 month ahead." 1 point for a generous 1/3 cup serving.
Provided by senseicheryl
Categories Low Cholesterol
Time 17m
Yield 6 1/3 cup servings, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Spray a nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Add 1 bag of the spinach and cook until wilted. Drain. Repeat with the remaining 2 bags; squeeze dry.
- While the spinach cooks, whisk the milk, flour, salt and nutmeg in a medium saucepan until blended; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and cook, stirring, until thickened, 4-5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until hot, about 1 minute.
- If making ahead, let cool; freeze in an airtight container up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Cook with 2 tablespoons low-fat milk until hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 64.4, Fat 1.5, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 4.1, Sodium 315.6, Carbohydrate 9, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 3.1, Protein 5.6
EASY CREAMED SPINACH FROM WEIGHT WATCHERS
Points plus value=2 Servings = 4 Prep time = 5 minutes Cooking time = 5-10 minutes Level of difficulty = easy
Provided by Phyllis R Pack
Categories Vegetables
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add shallots and saute until golden (apx. 2 minutes), add scallions and saute one minute more.
- 2. Add spinach to skillet in batches, tossing mixture and adding more spinach as some of it cooks down. Cook, tossing until wilted and tender, about 2 minutes.
- 3. Remove from heat and stir in creamed cheese, just until melted, stir in salt and pepper. Serve immediately. Yields 1/2 cup er serving
Tips:
- For a smoother sauce, blend the spinach and milk mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a little extra flavor.
- Serve creamed spinach with grilled or roasted chicken, fish, or steak.
- Creamed spinach can also be used as a filling for omelets, quiches, and lasagna.
- To make a vegan version of creamed spinach, use almond milk or cashew milk instead of cow's milk.
Conclusion:
Creamed spinach is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. It is packed with nutrients and can be made in just a few minutes. With a few simple tips, you can make the perfect creamed spinach every time. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give creamed spinach a try. You won't be disappointed!
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