Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons Carac seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the flour and stir to combine.
4. Slowly add the vegetable broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly.
5. Add the Carac seasoning, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
8. Add the spinach and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Add the cream sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
10. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
12. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4
Nutritional Information: Calories: 270; Total Fat: 17g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Cholesterol: 35mg; Sodium: 790mg; Carbohydrates: 18g; Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 11g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Olive oil can be substituted with butter or coconut oil.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth.
- Half-and-half can be substituted with heavy cream or milk.
- Carac seasoning can be substituted with any other seasoning blend.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or sausage to the spinach for added flavor.
- Add cooked mushrooms to the spinach for added texture.
- Use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to stir the sauce often to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more half-and-half to thin it out.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the creamed spinach in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the creamed spinach in a bowl or on a plate with a side of crusty bread.
Garnishes:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the sauce is too thin, add a little more flour to thicken it up.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly before cooking.
Food History:
Creamed spinach is a classic American dish that dates back to the early 1900s.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a creamy, savory flavor with hints of garlic and nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a side dish or as a main course with a protein such as chicken or fish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: Side Dishes, Vegetable Dishes
Dietary: N/A
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