Elevate your dining experience with this luxurious and creamy spinach dish that pairs perfectly with a juicy steak. This recipe brings the rich, velvety texture and savory flavors of a classic steakhouse creamed spinach right to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- Spinach: 2 lbs fresh leaf spinach or 1 lb frozen (thawed)
- Salt: 2 tsp, divided
- Butter: 4 tbsp
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Black Pepper: 1 tsp, ground
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup
- Half and Half: 3 1/2 cups
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz (cut into 8 chunks, room temperature)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach:
- If using fresh spinach, wash thoroughly and blanch in boiling water with 2 tsp of salt until wilted. Drain and chop finely.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out any excess water.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it melts.
- Add the minced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Add the Dairy:
- Gradually whisk in the half and half, ensuring a smooth mixture. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cheeses:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese chunks. Mix until fully melted and the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg, stirring until well combined.
- Combine and Season:
- Fold the chopped spinach into the creamy sauce, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Season with the remaining 1 tsp of salt and ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve:
- Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot as a decadent side dish alongside your favorite steak or roasted meat.
Conclusion
This creamy spinach dish is a delightful way to add a touch of elegance to your meals. The rich, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked spinach create a harmonious blend of flavors that are both comforting and sophisticated. Enjoy this classic steakhouse side dish at home and savor the gourmet experience.