Creamed Spinach

Every time I make this Creamed Spinach, it reminds me of Sunday dinners with family. The rich, creamy aroma fills my kitchen, drawing everyone in like a warm hug. I can already hear my kids laughing and sharing stories around the table, and those memories make me smile every time I whip this dish up. I want to share this recipe with you because I know that once you try it, you’ll feel that same warmth and comfort in your home. Spinach may not seem like the most exciting vegetable at first, but combined with the right ingredients, it transforms into something truly special.

Now, let’s dive into how to make this delightful Creamed Spinach that’s not only easy but will also impress your family and friends. You might find yourself making it a regular part of your dinner rotation!

Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach (about 1 pound): The star of the dish! Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but if you can’t get it, frozen will work in a pinch.

• Onions (1 medium, chopped): They add a lovely sweetness and depth to the dish.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because everything is better with garlic, right? It gives the creamed spinach a beautiful aroma and flavor.

• Butter (2 tablespoons): This is what makes the dish rich and indulgent. You could use olive oil, but I love the flavor butter brings.

• Flour (2 tablespoons): This is our thickening agent for the creamy sauce.

• Milk or cream (1 cup): I always use whole milk, but if you want it extra decadent, heavy cream is fabulous too.

• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Always season to bring out all those wonderful flavors!

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

Cooking Steps:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing your spinach under cool water to remove any dirt or grit. Chop the onions and mince the garlic, just enough to get that fragrant aroma going when you sauté them.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions first. They’ll need a few minutes to soften up and turn translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute more. You want that beautiful garlic aroma to wake up your kitchen!

3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This creates a roux that acts as a base for our creamy sauce. Be sure to keep stirring so it doesn’t burn!

4. Add the Milk or Cream: Gradually pour in your milk (or cream) while whisking constantly. This is the point where the magic happens! You’ll want to keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which usually takes around 3-5 minutes.

5. Stir in the Fresh Spinach: Now it’s time to add your fresh spinach. Start by adding a handful at a time, stirring until it wilts down. You may be surprised at how much spinach you can fit into the pan—it cooks down a lot!

6. Season It Well: Once all the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the creamy sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t rush this step—seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor!

7. Serve It Up: Once everything is combined and creamy, it’s ready to go! I love serving my creamed spinach in a nice bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of pepper or even a dash of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.

Why I Love Making This Dish: Creamed spinach is special to me because it feels like a hug on a plate. It’s a dish that comes together quickly but feels luxurious and comforting. I remember making it for my family back when my kids were little. They would end up with more spinach on their plates than they could eat, but making it fun with creamy goodness made them love it!

What You’ll Need: Besides your ingredients, you’ll only need a good skillet and a whisk. Trust me; having a non-stick skillet is the way to go here—it makes cleaning up so much easier!

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preheat your skillet with butter.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Create your roux by adding flour.
4. Gradually whisk in your milk or cream.
5. Add freshly washed spinach.
6. Season it to your liking.
7. Serve hot!

Tips for Perfect Results:

• For the best texture, be sure not to overcook the spinach. It should be bright green when you add it to the cream mix.
• If you want a bit of a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
• I occasionally sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese on top for an additional cheesy flavor when I’m feeling fancy!

Serving Suggestions and Sides: Creamed spinach is incredibly versatile. I love pairing it with roasted chicken, steak, or even grilled fish. It also goes wonderfully alongside mashed potatoes—such a comforting combo! You can also serve it over rice or noodles if you want something heartier.

Leftovers: If you somehow end up with leftovers (which is rare in my household!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish stays good for about 3 days. When you reheat it, just warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.

Now, let’s chat about some common questions I get about this delightful dish!

FAQ Section:

Can I use frozen spinach? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well since frozen spinach tends to hold more water. If you have to choose, I always prefer fresh, but frozen can work just fine!

How can I make this dish gluten-free? You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Just remember to adjust the amount accordingly, as it may thicken differently.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick? If you find that your sauce has gotten a bit too thick, no worries! Just whisk in a splash of milk until you reach your desired creaminess.

Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can make the creamed spinach a day in advance. Just reheat it gently before serving, but fresh is always best!

As I wrap this up, I can’t express enough how much I enjoy making this Creamed Spinach. It has become a staple in our home, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do! It’s a dish that sparks conversations and fills hearts with warmth. Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time, you’ll know you hit the jackpot! Happy cooking!