Dive into the culinary world of creamed spinach, a delectable side dish that elevates any meal with its creamy, vibrant green goodness. Originating from the kitchens of France, this classic dish has captivated taste buds for generations.
In our comprehensive guide, we present three irresistible variations of creamed spinach, each offering a unique flavor profile that caters to diverse palates. The first recipe introduces a classic creamed spinach, a harmonious blend of fresh spinach, cream, and seasonings, resulting in a velvety smooth texture and rich flavor.
For those seeking a lighter version, we offer a light creamed spinach recipe that utilizes low-fat milk and Greek yogurt, creating a guilt-free indulgence without compromising on taste. Additionally, we have included a vegan creamed spinach recipe that caters to plant-based diets, showcasing the versatility of this versatile dish.
Whether you prefer the classic, light, or vegan creamed spinach, our recipes provide step-by-step instructions, ensuring a seamless cooking experience. Discover the delightful simplicity of creamed spinach and elevate your culinary repertoire with this timeless classic.
BEST HEALTHY CREAMED SPINACH
Healthy creamed spinach, laced with onion and garlic, is one of the yummiest comfort side dishes ever. Keep it light or make it rich. It's up to you.
Provided by Cheryl
Categories Side Dish
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- COOK SPINACH: Cook frozen spinach in microwave as per package instructions. I add a teaspoon of water and microwave it, covered, for 3 1/2 minutes on High. Drain in strainer, squeezing out as much moisture as possible. It's ok if a little bit remains. Note 1 for using fresh spinach.
- MAKE CREAM SAUCE: Heat butter and/or oil on medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add onions and sauté gently for 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté another 30 seconds. Mix in flour to make a roux. Stir for 2 minutes until it turns pale brown. Don't let it get dark. Add any combination of milk and cream that you like to equal 1 1/2 cups/354 ml. I generally use mostly fat free or 2% milk and about 1/4 cup half and half (10%) cream. Stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add salt, black pepper and nutmeg (if using) to your taste.
- COMBINE: Stir in cooked well-squeezed-out chopped spinach. Add Parmesan cheese if using. If mixture is too thick, add more milk until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately. Note 3 to make ahead.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 150 kcal, Carbohydrate 8 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 34 mg, Sodium 408 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 4 g, UnsaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CREAMED SPINACH - LIGHTENED UP
A creamy blend of spinach, shallots, parmesan cheese, and Boursin Light makes a rich and flavorful side dish. A low fat version of a steakhouse favorite.
Provided by Gina
Categories Side Dish
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large saute pan, melt butter. Add shallots and garlic and cook on medium about 5 minutes.
- Add flour to shallots, mix well and cook one more minute.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly add milk, whisking well.
- Add parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper and mix well.
- Add boursin light and mix with until smooth.
- Add spinach and combine well with sauce, cook one minute, until heated through. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 2 /3 cup, Calories 123 kcal, Carbohydrate 9 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 22.5 mg, Sodium 175 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g
FAST AND EASY CREAMED SPINACH
This is a little easier, a little quicker, a little more contemporary, and believe it or not, a little lighter than traditional creamed spinach. Have all your ingredients ready to go ahead of time. It's a classic steak side dish.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Greens
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Pour olive oil into a large soup pot, place over high heat, add spinach, and cover. Cook for 1 minute, uncover, and lightly stir until most of the leaves are bright green and wilted, about 2 minutes. Quickly drain spinach in a strainer and transfer to a plate lined with 4 or 5 paper towels. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze as much liquid from the spinach as possible. Transfer spinach to a cutting board and coarsely chop.
- Mix salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter in skillet, and stir shallot in the hot butter until just barely golden and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir seasoning mixture into shallot mixture and pour in cream. Raise heat to medium-high and reduce cream sauce to about half, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest.
- Reduce heat to low and toss spinach with cream sauce in skillet. Cook and stir until spinach is heated through and coated, about 2 minutes. Stir Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into spinach until thoroughly combined; serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 178.9 calories, Carbohydrate 7.1 g, Cholesterol 47 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 5.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.7 g, Sodium 173.4 mg, Sugar 0.8 g
QUICK CREAMED SPINACH
The inspiration for this creamy side dish came from a local restaurant. I lightened up the original recipe by using fat-free half-and-half and fat-free cream cheese. I goes great with most any entree. -Susan Geddie of Harker Heights, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 5 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually whisk in half-and-half until blended. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened., Add the cream cheese, salt, nutmeg and pepper, stirring until cream cheese is melted. Stir in spinach and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; heat through. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 131 calories, Fat 4g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 704mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
LIGHT CREAMED SPINACH
Make and share this Light Creamed Spinach recipe from Food.com.
Provided by VickiVSN
Categories Spinach
Time 10m
Yield 1 , 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Caramelize onion in heated oil.
- Add in spinach and bacon bits.
- As spinach cooks down, add in sour cream and creamed cheese.
- Grate a little fresh nutmeg.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 80.2, Fat 6, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 7.9, Sodium 81.5, Carbohydrate 4.9, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 1.1, Protein 2.9
LIGHT CREAMED SPINACH
Ok, so I was craving for the Spinach with Lemon Stir Fry in a restaurant one day and despite my friend's attempt at explaining what I wanted. The chef came back with his version of how spinanch should be done. Not too bad so here's the copycat. I was thinking of substituting cream with milk and flour. Wonder if it works as well...
Provided by Cook Food Mood
Categories Vegetable
Time 5m
Yield 1-2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat oil. Add onions.
- Add spinach.
- Add lemon juice and cream when spinanch is cooked, followed by cheese. Stir briskly to mix and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 309.6, Fat 21.8, SaturatedFat 6.1, Cholesterol 18.8, Sodium 535.5, Carbohydrate 19.9, Fiber 11, Sugar 2.1, Protein 17.4
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-washed and chopped spinach. You can also use frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw it completely before using.
- If you don't have heavy cream on hand, you can use milk or half-and-half instead. Just be aware that the sauce will be thinner.
- To make the dish even more flavorful, add a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder.
- Serve the creamed spinach immediately with your favorite main course, such as grilled chicken, fish, or pasta.
Conclusion:
Light creamed spinach is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it simple or with added flavors, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, give light creamed spinach a try.
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