Creamed Spinach I

Creamed Spinach I Recipe | Delicious and Creamy Spinach Dish

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This recipe takes fresh spinach and combines it with butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese to create a decadent and delicious dish that is perfect for any meal.

History

Creamed spinach has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in cookbooks dating back to the 17th century. Originally, creamed spinach was made with a simple mixture of cream, butter, and spinach, but over time, different ingredients such as cheese and cream cheese have been added to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Ingredients

9 oz (255 g) bag of fresh spinach, washed and finely chopped
0.25 cup of butter
3 tbsp of cream cheese (1.5 oz or 43 g)
1 tsp of heavy cream
4 oz (113 g) of cheddar cheese or monterey jack cheese, shredded (0.5 cup)
salt and pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a medium-sized pot and add the cream cheese.
Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted.
Add the spinach and cook until it wilts.
Pour in the cream, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
Gently stir until the cheese is fully melted and coats the spinach.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.
Use different types of cheese, such as parmesan or gruyere, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the spinach to ensure that it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients.

- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture, but frozen spinach can also be used in a pinch.

- Adjust the amount of cheese and cream to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve the creamed spinach immediately to enjoy it at its best.

Serving Suggestions

Creamed spinach pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. It can also be served alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting and filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the spinach until it wilts to ensure that it is tender and flavorful.

- Stir the creamed spinach gently to avoid breaking up the cheese and creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or ghee in place of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Substitute goat cheese or feta for the cream cheese for a tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamed spinach can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the creamed spinach in a small ramekin or baking dish for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Creamed spinach pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. It can also be served alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 4g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 20g

- Saturated Fat: 12g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 9g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 110%

- Vitamin C: 20%

- Calcium: 25%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy

Summary

Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side dish that is high in fat and protein, making it a satisfying addition to any meal. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Creamed Spinach. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah in her cozy cottage by the countryside. Sarah was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On that particular day, Sarah had decided to teach me a new recipe that she had learned from her grandmother many years ago. As we gathered the ingredients and prepared the kitchen, she began to tell me the story behind the recipe for Creamed Spinach.

"It all started many years ago when my grandmother was just a young girl," Sarah began. "She was a curious and adventurous spirit, always eager to learn new things in the kitchen. One day, she stumbled upon an old cookbook in the attic of her family home. In it, she found a recipe for Creamed Spinach that caught her eye."

As Sarah spoke, I could see the twinkle in her eye as she reminisced about her grandmother's love for cooking and the joy it brought to her family. I listened intently as she continued to recount the story.

"My grandmother was determined to master the art of making Creamed Spinach, so she set out to learn everything she could about the recipe. She experimented with different ingredients and techniques, making countless batches until she finally achieved the perfect balance of flavors and textures."

I could sense Sarah's admiration and respect for her grandmother's dedication to perfecting the recipe. It was clear that the recipe held a special place in her heart, and I felt honored to be learning it from her.

Together, we followed the steps of the recipe, carefully measuring and mixing each ingredient with precision. As the creamy spinach mixture simmered on the stove, the kitchen filled with the heavenly aroma of garlic and nutmeg. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When the Creamed Spinach was finally ready, Sarah and I sat down at the table to enjoy our creation. With each bite, I could taste the rich flavors and velvety texture that made this dish so special. It was a culinary masterpiece that had been passed down through generations, and I felt privileged to have learned it from Sarah.

As I savored the last bite of Creamed Spinach, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary traditions that had been shared with me. The recipe for Creamed Spinach was more than just a dish - it was a link to the past, a connection to my friend Sarah's family history.

And so, as I bid farewell to Sarah and her cozy cottage in the countryside, I knew that the recipe for Creamed Spinach would always hold a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that cooking brings, and a testament to the enduring power of food to connect us to our loved ones and our heritage.

As I walked away, I vowed to share the recipe for Creamed Spinach with my own family and friends, passing down the tradition that had been so graciously shared with me. And as I did, I knew that the legacy of this beloved dish would live on for generations to come.