Best 2 Simple Creamed Spinach Recipes

Indulge in the delectable simplicity of creamed spinach, a classic side dish that elevates any meal with its creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying goodness. This versatile dish can be prepared in minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties alike. Discover the secret to creating the perfect creamed spinach with our collection of easy-to-follow recipes, each offering unique variations to suit your taste preferences. From the classic rendition with fresh spinach and a velvety cream sauce to innovative takes featuring roasted garlic, tangy feta cheese, or a hint of nutmeg, our recipes cater to every palate. Prepare to elevate your culinary skills and impress your loved ones with this timeless dish that never fails to delight.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

EASY CREAMED SPINACH

Easy Creamed Spinach image

Our take on the classic creamed spinach side dish uses fresh spinach and cream cheese as a thickener. It's a crowd pleasing recipe that's popular with both young and old.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

3 to 4 bunches (2 1/2 pounds total) flat-leaf spinach, trimmed and cleaned
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 medium onion, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 ounces bar cream cheese, cut into pieces
1/2 cup milk
pinch ground nutmeg
coarse salt and ground pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spinach, and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Drain in a colander; rinse with cold water until cool. Squeeze spinach to remove as much liquid as possible; coarsely chop, and set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add cream cheese and milk; cook, stirring, until cream cheese is melted and smooth. Stir in spinach. Simmer over medium heat until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes. Add nutmeg; season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 g, Fat 17 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 9 g

FAST AND EASY CREAMED SPINACH

Fast and Easy Creamed Spinach image

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

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 (16 ounce) bags fresh spinach
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons minced shallot
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

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

Tips:

Select fresh spinach: Choose spinach leaves that are vibrant green in color, crisp, and free from yellowing or wilting.
Wash the spinach thoroughly: Always rinse the spinach leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Use a large skillet: A large skillet or sauté pan will allow the spinach to cook evenly and prevent overcrowding.
Cook the spinach in batches: If using a large quantity of spinach, cook it in batches to ensure even cooking.
Season to taste: Adjust the seasonings according to your personal preference. You can add more salt, pepper, garlic, or nutmeg if desired.
Serve immediately: Creamed spinach is best served immediately after cooking to maintain its vibrant color and texture.

Conclusion:

Creamed spinach is a versatile and delicious side dish that can complement various main courses. Whether you prefer a simple recipe with just a few ingredients or a more elaborate version with added vegetables or cheese, these recipes offer a range of options to suit your taste and dietary preferences. With its creamy texture, vibrant color, and nutritional benefits, creamed spinach is a delightful addition to any meal. Experiment with different recipes and techniques to find your perfect creamed spinach dish. Remember to select fresh ingredients, cook the spinach properly, and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Enjoy this classic dish as a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment to your favorite main courses.