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.
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.
Here is an after picture. You want to blanch the 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.
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.
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.
Remove and serve with your main dish.
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.
3 Comments
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.
Best cream spinach to date! Can't wait to have it again.