Creamed spinach
Whenever you go to a restaurant these days there is always creamed spinach as a vegetable and I personally love it. A great creamed spinach recipe will even have the die hard anti vegetable kids… or adults for that matter climbing in and enjoying it so here is a really great creamed spinach recipe for you all to get your greens the easy way. It makes quite a lot, about 6 cups but can easily be frozen for another day or simply halve the recipe.
What you need
1/2 cup finely grated onion (you are going to cry!)
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups warm milk
2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese (don’t leave this out)
Pinch of finely ground black pepper or about 1/4 teaspoon
Pinch of salt
120g cream cheese
600g finely chopped cleaned spinach
butter
Olive oil
The process
Prepare all of your ingredients before you start cooking, it does not take long to cook and if you are using frozen chopped spinach, thaw it completely, place in a colander and allow all of the water to drain off, then give it a squeeze to remove the last bit of water. Dry your eyes if you grated the onion… after you washed your hands.
If you are using fresh spinach, bring a large pot of water to the boil, toss in the spinach and allow to blanch for no longer than 1 1/2 minutes, drain in a colander and give it a squeeze to remove the water.
In a large pot on a medium to high heat melt 2 heaped tablespoons butter with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and allow them to cook for about 4 or 5 minutes or so while you stir.
Add the flour and stir constantly for about another minute or two to cook the flour.
Add the milk in a slow stream while you mix very well. You need the flour to be combined well with the milk. Once it is all in, reduce your heat to low and keep stirring until you have a nice smooth mixture.
Add the parmesan and cream cheese, season with salt and pepper, combine well and then toss in the spinach. Use a folding motion to combine the spinach and creamy sauce, cook for a minute or two and you are done.
To freeze a batch, allow it to cool, place in a Jiffy bag, remove any air, seal and into the freezer. It is brilliant to have frozen for when you just don’t feel like cooking after a long day.
G, There is NO restuarant that can EVER compare with this recipe. Everytime I make it I receive “oohs and aahs …..and yummy, divine etc., compliments and I feel like Tina Turner – “Simply the Best” lol!! When I am requested to make veges for the “poor vege deprived” kids who have moved out of home and invited to dinner this is my number one choice – they actually ask for more. It freezes so well and I ALWAYS have some on standby. Thanks a mil G.
Hi Barbara, Good home cooked food will keep them coming back for years, so glad your family is loving it.. have a fantastic weekend Barbara Happy days G
Hi, I had creamed spinach at Jimmys during the holiday and am looking for a recipe for something similar to that, my husband just loved it. Would you say this recipe is similar?
Hi Farzana, can’t say I have had the spinach at Jimmy’s but I doubt they use the ingredients shown on this recipe. This is a really decadent recipe, give it a try and see how you like it. Cheers G
How does one determine how much is 600g spinach?
Good question Reks, if you are buying fresh in a bunch just pop it on a scale in the store and subract about 20% for stalks but it’s usually 1 large bunch. I buy in packets of 200g or 300g from the supermarket which need very little stalk removal. Cheers for now G
Hi Graham
Can one you frozen spinach and can you add mushrooms to the recipe? Does this recipe taste cheesy?
Hi Renz, sorry for the late reply arrived in Cape Town Thursday last week and having a ball.. Yes you can use frozen spinach just be sure to squeeze out every last drop of liquid once it’s thawed, sure add some cooked mushrooms and no, it’s not cheesy, more creamy and rich. If you like cheesy, add a bit more parmesan. Happy days G
Hi Graham
I love spinach and can’t wait to try this recipe. I’d love to have it with pancakes or even pasta. It is a great pic me up!
Hi Kareshma, I have had it in pancakes and it’s great… rich and delicious. Have a lekker day G