Herb-Infused Creamed Spinach Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a creamy, dreamy dish that’s as comforting as a warm blanket on a chilly day: Herb-Infused Creamed Spinach Delight. This recipe takes the humble spinach to new heights, infused with fresh herbs and a touch of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant side dish, this is a recipe you'll want to keep coming back to.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Creamed Spinach Delight

The star of this dish is spinach, which brings vibrant color and a host of nutrients. We use fresh spinach here for the best flavor and texture. Then there’s butter, which adds a rich base and helps in sautéing the onion and garlic, lending them a sweet and aromatic presence. The flour acts as a thickening agent, while the combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates that luxurious, silky sauce. A touch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg adds depth and warmth. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley brighten the dish, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese finishes it with a nutty, savory note.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
  • For a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Use baby spinach for a more tender texture and quicker wilting.
  • To save time, you can use pre-washed spinach.

Serving Suggestions

This creamed spinach is a versatile side that goes well with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a nice steak. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple pasta dish or as part of a vegetarian meal alongside roasted root vegetables. For a festive touch, serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl or atop a toasted baguette slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in your dish.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or evaporated milk can be a good substitute, though it may be slightly less rich.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use almond milk instead of dairy, and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Herb-Infused Creamed Spinach Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion and garlic. Sauté these until they turn soft and release their lovely aroma, which should take about 3 minutes. Stir in the flour, ensuring it coats the onions and garlic evenly. Cook for just a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste.

Next, gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep stirring to avoid any lumps. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook until it thickens up, around 5 minutes. This is when you'll season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Now, it’s time to add the star ingredient: spinach. Stir it into the sauce, watching as it wilts into the creamy mixture, which should take about 3 minutes. Finish the dish by stirring in the chopped basil and parsley and lastly, the Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until well combined. Serve it immediately for the freshest taste, or store it for later if you need to prep ahead.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, velvety texture with a hint of fresh herbs.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, ready in under 20 minutes.
  • A great way to sneak in those greens, even for picky eaters.
  • Pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to pasta.
  • Impressive enough for guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1.5 lbs fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring constantly, cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
7. Add the chopped spinach, stirring until it wilts and is well-coated with the sauce, about 3 minutes.
8. Stir in the basil, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until combined.
9. Serve immediately or store for later.

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