A rich and creamy side dish made by cooking spinach and combining it with a cream-based sauce. The dish typically includes ingredients like butter, garlic, onions, and cream or milk, and is often thickened with cheese or cream cheese to give it a velvety texture. The spinach is either fresh or frozen, cooked down to a tender consistency, and then mixed into the creamy sauce.

This dish is a popular accompaniment to steak and other proteins, especially in classic American steakhouse cuisine, but it can also be served alongside roasted or grilled meats, poultry, or fish. The creaminess balances the slight bitterness of spinach, making it a comforting and flavorful side.

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for creamed spinach and here’s how you make it!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) fresh spinach (or 1 lb frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

Prepare the Spinach:

• If using fresh spinach, rinse thoroughly and blanch in boiling water for about 30 seconds until wilted. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible, then chop finely.
• If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out the excess water.

Cook the Onion and Garlic:

• In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the Spinach:

• Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Make the Cream Sauce:

• Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• If you’re using cream cheese, add it now and stir until melted and fully incorporated.

Season and Serve:

• Stir in the nutmeg (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

Serve Warm:

• Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy as a side dish with steak, chicken, or fish!

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and creaminess to your taste. Enjoy!