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Steakhouse Creamed Spinach Recipe

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4.1 from 6 reviews

This classic Steakhouse Creamed Spinach recipe delivers a rich and velvety side dish perfect for pairing with steak or any hearty main course. Featuring tender cooked spinach enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with aromatic spices, this dish is both comforting and elegant, ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Spinach

  • 1 pound (454 grams) frozen chopped spinach

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons (42 grams) butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, minced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons (23 grams) flour
  • 2 cups (473 ml) whole milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Spinach: Cook the spinach following the package instructions, preferably using the microwave for convenience. Once cooked and cool enough to handle, squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid watery creamed spinach. Set aside the drained spinach.
  2. Melt Butter: In a 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat to create the base for the sauce.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the minced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and cook while stirring constantly for about one minute until the mixture becomes foamy. This forms a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  5. Incorporate Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring vigorously to fully dissolve the flour and prevent lumps, creating a smooth sauce base.
  6. Season and Simmer: Add ground nutmeg, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for five minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Combine Spinach and Cheese: Stir the drained spinach and grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, cooking for another minute to heat through and blend the flavors. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Ensure you squeeze out as much water as possible from the cooked spinach to prevent a watery sauce.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
  • For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy.
  • Parmesan cheese adds depth, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with grilled or pan-seared steaks, roasted chicken, or roasted vegetables.