Description
Looking for a quick, comforting side dish that’s rich in flavor and simple to make? Creamy Spinach Delight combines tender spinach with a smooth, velvety cream sauce, seasoned with hints of nutmeg, garlic, and onion. It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a topping for pasta or baked potatoes. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons 1/2 stick butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 8 oz fresh spinach
- 2 additional tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it’s aromatic.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour. This will form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well to combine and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Cook the Spinach: In a separate pan, melt the additional 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it wilts down completely.
- Combine and Serve: Add the wilted spinach to the creamy sauce, stirring to coat the spinach thoroughly. Serve warm as a comforting and flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture, but frozen spinach works too. Thaw and drain thoroughly if using frozen.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with plant-based butter and whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American