Amazingly Easy Three-Ingredient Creamed Spinach

🌿🍲 Creamed Spinach: A Quick Delight! 🌿🍲

Creamed spinach is a delightful and classic side dish that combines the earthy goodness of spinach with the creamy richness of a sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

📜 History:
The origins of creamed spinach can be traced back to French cuisine, where it’s known as “épinards à la crème.” The dish gained popularity in the United States in the 19th century and has since become a beloved side dish in many American households.

🥦 Components:

• Fresh Spinach: You’ll need around 1 pound (450 grams) of fresh spinach. You can also use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available.
• Cream Sauce: The creamy sauce is made from a mixture of heavy cream, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. So, it’s essentially spinach in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg are often used to season the dish.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and remove any tough stems. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it.
2. Cook the Spinach: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch it for about 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain the spinach and squeeze out excess water. Chop it finely.
3. Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4. Combine Spinach and Sauce: Add the chopped spinach to the cream sauce and stir well to combine. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the spinach is coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another couple of minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Serve Hot: Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and serve it hot. You can garnish it with a little extra grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.

⏰ Time Needed:

• Preparing the spinach and sauce should take around 15-20 minutes.
• Cooking time for the spinach and sauce combined is approximately 10-15 minutes.

In total, you can have this delicious creamed spinach ready in about 25-35 minutes. It’s a quick and easy side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Enjoy! 🍽️🌱🧀

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Creamed Spinach:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1/2 cup):

• Calories: ~150-200 calories
• Total Fat: ~10-15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: ~6-8 grams
• Cholesterol: ~30-40 milligrams
• Sodium: ~300-400 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: ~7-10 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: ~2-3 grams
  • Sugars: ~1-2 grams
• Protein: ~5-7 grams
• Vitamin A: ~60-80% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: ~20-30% of the DV
• Calcium: ~15-20% of the DV
• Iron: ~10-15% of the DV

Health Information:

• Rich in Vitamins: Creamed spinach is a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function, and vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.

• Calcium: Spinach contains calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.

• Iron: Spinach also provides iron, though the iron in plant-based foods (non-heme iron) is not as readily absorbed by the body as heme iron from animal sources. To enhance iron absorption, consume spinach with foods rich in vitamin C.

• Fiber: The dietary fiber in spinach aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Moderation: While creamed spinach can be a nutritious side dish, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its creamy sauce, which can be high in saturated fats and calories.

• Balanced Diet: To make creamed spinach a healthier choice, consider using lighter dairy options or less butter in the sauce, and incorporate it into a well-balanced meal with lean proteins and other vegetables.

Remember that exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation method used, so it’s a good practice to check product labels and adjust your recipe accordingly if you have specific dietary needs or restrictions.