Best 2 Lunch Ladies Creamy Italian Spinach Recipes
Indulge in a culinary journey to Italy with this creamy and flavorful spinach dish, a staple in many lunch ladies' kitchens. This delectable recipe, passed down through generations, combines fresh spinach, savory Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce to create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe offers a straightforward approach to crafting a dish that will impress family and friends alike. It's a perfect accompaniment to various main courses, be it grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a hearty pasta dish. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary adventure with this timeless Italian classic.
In addition to the main recipe, the article also includes variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. For those with a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, a meatless version of the dish is provided, featuring a rich vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Moreover, a gluten-free alternative is offered, using cornstarch as a thickener instead of all-purpose flour, ensuring that everyone can savor this creamy spinach delight.
EASY CREAMED SPINACH
Easy Creamed Spinach does not get easier! This simple homemade side dish is so much better than store bought! Wilted spinach is mixed through a silky smooth white sauce, flavoured with sautéed onion and garlic, then served with parmesan cheese. This is the side dish of your dreams!
Provided by Karina
Categories Side Dish
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes until light golden. Add in the onion and cook until transparent (about 2-3 minutes), then add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in the milk (or half and half), whisking constantly until the white sauce thickens (about 5 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg and cayenne (If using). If the sauce is too thick, add another 1/4 cup of milk to the sauce, whisking it through until reaching your desired thickness.
- For the spinach: melt the remaining butter in a separate pan, and add spinach in batches, wilting each batch before adding the next, until all spinach is wilted. (Add a small spoon of water if the pan gets too dry.)Alternatively: Cook the spinach in a pot of boiling water for just one minute; then immerse in a cold water bath to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water from the leaves and set aside.
- Season the cream sauce with salt, pepper, nutmeg and cayenne. Add wilted spinach to the cream sauce, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
CREAMED SPINACH
This classic dish, a staple of high-end steakhouses and humble tables alike, is one that every cook should learn to make. We've carefully crafted this recipe to capture the ultimate classic creamed-spinach characteristics so that it can be your textbook version and an heirloom to pass down. Once you've made it and seen how easy it is, there's a good chance it'll be on your table more often than for just special-occasion feasts. It's creamy and satisfying even though it takes just 35 minutes to make. The ingredients are all easily accessible staples, but the inclusion of nutmeg might surprise you. If you associate that spice more with cookies than vegetables, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Rather than dominating the dish, or even standing out on its own, nutmeg in this application serves to elevate the flavors of the key ingredients-cream and spinach-and bring them into harmony. As a finishing touch, we've added butter-toasted panko bread crumbs for a pleasant little crunch that we think you'll find very satisfying.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In 8-inch skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Stir in bread crumbs. Cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Place crumbs in small bowl; set aside.
- In 1-quart saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, 4 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in flour salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook and stir until mixture is bubbly. Gradually stir in half-and-half. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; set aside.
- In 12-inch skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Gradually add spinach. Cook, stirring, just until spinach is wilted. Stir in half-and-half mixture. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or just until heated. Spoon mixture into serving bowl; top with toasted bread crumbs.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 240, Carbohydrate 17 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 2 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 500 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1/2 g
Tips:
- Prep the Spinach: Before you start cooking, thoroughly wash and dry the spinach. You can use a salad spinner to make this process easier.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the spinach, the better the dish will taste. If you can, use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Spinach: Spinach cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked spinach will become limp and lose its vibrant green color.
- Use Good Quality Cheese: The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. Try using a flavorful cheese like Parmesan or Asiago.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately after it is made. The spinach will start to wilt if it sits for too long.
Conclusion:
Lunch Ladies' Creamy Italian Spinach is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a great choice for beginner cooks. So next time you are looking for a delicious and healthy side dish, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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