Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach for Two

We are closely approaching Valentines Day.  With the state of the economy this year seems like a year for staying in and cooking.  So I have come up with a few recipes for two that will work perfect on your special night.  I am starting with the sides as they are my favorite part of the dinner.  Recently Dana and I went out to a nice steakhouse and had some less than spectacular creamed spinach.  So I decided this would be the first recipe I tackle.

Creamed Spinach for Two – (Adapted from Emeril)

  • 12 ounces fresh spinach, washed
  • 1 tb unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots, one large shallot chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Wash the spinach and then remove any large stems.

Fresh Spinach

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.  Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes.  Remember you will need a large pot as uncooked spinach takes up a lot of room.

Blanche the spinach

Here is an after picture.  You want to blanch the spinach.

Cooked spinach

Empty the spinach into a fine strainer and squeeze out as much water as you can.  I find that a back of a wooden spoon can do wonders in this step.  Then chop the spinach into smaller pieces.

Drain the spinach

Melt the butter in medium saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Cook the aromatics

Then add the spinach.  Cook until you see some liquid starting to be released from the spinach.  You will notice that the mixture will become a little easier to stir.  Then add the cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and cook until the cream is reduced by half, about 4 minutes.

Add the cream and reduce

Remove and serve with your main dish.

Creamed Spinach

This creamed spinach was awesome.  As good or better than any I have ever eaten.  Cook this for your special someone and it will be a good night.

Rex

Rex is an avid griller, barbecuer and bacon enthusiast. He is the Pitmaster for the Rex BBQ competition team. Rex was also featured on the TV show American Grilled. If you have any questions or wish to have Rex decode your favorite dish, click on the ASK REX link in the menu above.

View all posts by Rex →

3 thoughts on “Creamed Spinach for Two

  1. That's a shame because the one of the things I most look forward to at a steak house is great creamed spinach. Glad you were able to rectify it with your own.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *