Quick Stats
Sautéed Spinach:
– Prep Time: 5 minutes
– Cook Time: 3 minutes
– Total Time: 8 minutes
– Servings: 4
– Difficulty: Easy
– Tags: Vegetarian, Vegan-optional, Gluten-free
Creamed Spinach:
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 20 minutes
– Total Time: 30 minutes
– Servings: 6
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Tags: Vegetarian
Equipment Needed
– Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch recommended)
– Sharp knife
– Cutting board
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk (for creamed version)
Alternative: Any large, wide-bottomed pan will work
Ingredients
Sautéed Spinach
– 1 pound (450g) fresh spinach
– 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 lemon (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes (optional)
Creamed Spinach
– 2 pounds (900g) fresh spinach
– 4 tablespoons (60g) butter
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons (45g) all-purpose flour
– 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Sautéed Spinach
1. Heat pan: Place skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add oil and garlic: Heat oil until shimmering, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds
3. Add spinach: Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted (1-2 minutes)
4. Season: Remove from heat, add salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using
Creamed Spinach
1. Prep spinach: Wilt spinach in batches in a large pan, drain well
2. Make roux: Melt butter, add onion and garlic, cook 3-4 minutes
3. Add flour: Stir in flour, cook for 2 minutes
4. Add milk: Gradually whisk in milk until sauce thickens (5 minutes)
5. Combine: Stir in spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper
Crucial Tips
– Don’t overcrowd the pan
– Watch garlic closely – it burns quickly
– For creamed spinach, drain thoroughly to prevent watery sauce
– Season at the end – spinach reduces significantly
Storage & Variations
Storage:
– Refrigerate up to 3 days
– Reheat gently in microwave or stovetop
Common Variations:
– Add parmesan cheese
– Mix in sautéed mushrooms
– Spice with red pepper flakes
– Use coconut milk for dairy-free creamed version
Scaling:
– Recipe easily halves or doubles
– Adjust pan size accordingly
Follow these instructions precisely for perfectly cooked spinach every time – never mushy, always vibrant and delicious.
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