Description
Alton Brown’s creamed spinach elevates this classic side dish with a rich, velvety texture and complex flavor profile. Garlic, nutmeg, and cream merge seamlessly, creating a luxurious accompaniment that enhances any main course you serve.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) baby spinach
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
- 8 tablespoons (120 grams) flour
Aromatic Ingredients:
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Seasoning and Fat:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) plus 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gently melt 113 grams (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the cream sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and create a roux. Cook the mixture for 4-5 minutes until it develops a light golden color and releases a subtle nutty aroma.
- Incorporate finely minced garlic and diced onions into the roux, sautéing for 60-90 seconds until the aromatics become fragrant and translucent.
- Slowly stream in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure a silky smooth consistency. Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a rich, creamy texture.
- In a separate pan, melt the remaining 43 grams (3 tablespoons) of butter. Add the fresh spinach leaves gradually, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they wilt but retain a vibrant green color and slight texture.
- Season the cream sauce with freshly grated nutmeg, ground black pepper, and kosher salt, adjusting the flavors to taste.
- Gently fold the wilted spinach into the cream sauce, ensuring even distribution and a harmonious blend of flavors. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.
Notes
- Whisk flour smoothly to create a silky, golden foundation that enriches the entire dish’s depth.
- Introduce spinach leaves in small batches, preventing water accumulation and maintaining crisp vegetable integrity.
- Sprinkle nutmeg, salt, and pepper with a light hand, ensuring each ingredient complements the others without overwhelming.
- Handle baby spinach delicately during mixing, preserving its tender structure and vibrant green color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg