Spinach In Cream
Creamed spinach with tender leaves and a rich, buttery onion-flavored sauce, perfect as a side dish for family dinners or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the spinach carefully, discarding tough stems.
- Bring a kettle of water to a boil and cook the spinach for 3 minutes.
- Remove the spinach from the water and drain thoroughly.
- In a heavy pan, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour and blend well.
- Add the cooked spinach, grated onion, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Heat the mixture thoroughly and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice to the cream mixture. If you're out of heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or use a non-dairy cream alternative. Ensure not to overcook the spinach; it should be bright green and tender. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, enhancing a meal inspired by American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy spinach dish as a side to complement meats like roasted chicken or beef. It also pairs well with pasta or as a topping for baked potatoes. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the spinach watery and lose its vibrant color.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach In Cream contains roughly 550 calories, with 7g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 872mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the recipe. Frozen spinach is often blanched, which can save you time, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since it may not need as long to heat through.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream. Use a vegan flour if necessary, and ensure that your vegetable broth or stock is also plant-based to maintain the dish's creaminess and flavor.
What can I do if my cream sauce is too thick?
If your cream sauce turns out too thick, simply whisk in a little bit of vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Adding a splash of lemon juice can also brighten the flavor while adjusting the texture, making it perfect for drizzling over your spinach.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).