Best Spinach Recipes: Authentic French Creamed Spinach

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How to Cook Spinach Recipes: French Creamed Spinach

My authentic French creamed spinach recipe is one of the tastiest spinach recipes you have ever cooked!

➡️ Many of you have probably heard that spinach recipes are healthy and enrich the diet with a lot of vitamins and minerals that are very important to your body. However, spinach doesn’t attract you at all, and you avoid cooking recipes that feature spinach. Have you ever wondered why?

➡️ A possible explanation would be that, as a child, you ate spinach recipes without a delicious taste and with an unattractive appearance. However, spinach is very tasty if you cook it using recipes that include ingredients that make it flavorful. So, just imagine spinach combined with milk, sour cream, cheese, tomato sauce, and many more. Didn’t you become suddenly curious?

➡️ I especially like creamed spinach, so I often cook chopped spinach with milk (see below.) It goes perfectly with fried eggs, schnitzel, fish, boiled pasta, fries, and so on. Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that is both elegant and delicious. Originating in French cuisine, this dish is one of the most popular spinach recipes and is made by cooking fresh spinach until it is tender and then combining it with a creamy béchamel sauce. The result is a velvety smooth and flavorful dish that pairs well with a wide range of main courses.

➡️ One of the keys to making great creamed spinach is to start with fresh, high-quality spinach. Look for bright green leaves that are free from yellow spots or signs of wilting. Once you have your spinach, it’s important to thoroughly clean and dry it before cooking. This will help ensure that the finished dish has a bright green color and a delicate texture.

➡️ The béchamel sauce used in this recipe is made by whisking together butter, flour, and milk until it thickens. It is important to take care when making this sauce to prevent it from becoming lumpy or burning. A good rule of thumb is to use low to medium heat and to whisk continuously until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

➡️ Creamed spinach is a versatile dish that can be served with a wide range of entrees, including steak, chicken, fish, and more. It is also a great way to add more greens to your diet and to create a beautiful, restaurant-quality side dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a little practice and attention to detail, anyone can make this classic French spinach dish at home. I assure you that it’s one of the best spinach recipes you ever cooked!

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How to Cook Creamed Spinach at Home from Scratch

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Authentic French Creamed Spinach

French creamed spinach, also known as "épinards à la crème," is a classic side dish that is easy to make and always impresses. The dish is made with fresh spinach leaves that are cooked in a creamy béchamel sauce, which is made with butter, flour, and milk. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats, fish, or as a side to any main course.

The key to making a delicious French creamed spinach is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to follow the recipe closely. The spinach should be fresh and tender, with no signs of wilting or yellowing. The béchamel sauce should be thick and creamy, with a smooth texture and a delicate flavor that complements the spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Side Dish

Cuisine French

Servings 4 servings

Calories

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups whole milk
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried

Instructions

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to combine.
Cook the butter and flour mixture, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it begins to turn light golden in color.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Continue to cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
Stir in the salt, nutmeg, black pepper, and minced garlic.
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the pan and toss to coat them with the sauce.
Cook the spinach for 3-5 minutes until it is wilted and tender.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the spinach cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Use fresh spinach leaves for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen spinach, as it can become watery and mushy when cooked.
Don’t overcook the spinach. It should be tender and wilted, but still have some texture and bite.
Be sure to wash the spinach leaves thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or grit.
Use a whisk to stir the sauce constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce in a blender or food processor before adding the spinach.
This dish is best served immediately, but can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop if needed.

Keyword creamed spinach, creamed spinach recipe, French creamed spinach, French spinach recipe

Cooking Spinach Recipes at Home is Quick and Easy!

➡️ Even if fresh spinach leaves are delicious, they may not convince you…until you don’t taste one of the recipes I’ve listed below. Of course, I often cook frozen spinach as well because sometimes I don’t have time to buy fresh leaves at the market. The frozen version is as good as the fresh spinach, so cook it as often as you can.

➡️ One of the things I enjoy most is cooking. I’m always experimenting with new recipes, and I love to play around with different spices and flavors. I eat spinach a lot, so I make it often. It’s a great option when I’m looking for a quick and healthy lunch that’s also easy on the wallet.

➡️ Along with the extraordinary taste and exceptional improvement in health, spinach is a fantastic addition to your diet, as most recipes with spinach are very easy to cook. If you use the chopped frozen version, in particular, you can cook a fabulous dish in no time (watch the videos below to see for yourself!)

➡️ There are few vegetables I love as much as spinach. I eat it often, and it’s especially good when cooked. I enjoy spinach in a lot of different ways, such as a side dish, a salad, or even in soup. If you need additional info, read more on spinach!

➡️ I’ve listed below some of my best spinach recipes such as spinach salad, baked Tuscan chicken, creamed spinach with milk, creamed spinach with sour cream, and Greek spinach pie.

FAQ’s for Cooking French Creamed Spinach Recipes

What is French creamed spinach?

French creamed spinach is a classic French side dish that is made with spinach, cream, butter, and spices.

What are the ingredients for French creamed spinach?

The ingredients for French creamed spinach include spinach, butter, onion, flour, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese.

How do you make French creamed spinach?

To make French creamed spinach, you first need to cook the spinach in a sauté pan with butter until it is wilted. Then you add cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the pan and simmer until the cream is thickened. Finally, you add Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir until it is melted.

What are some variations of French creamed spinach?

Some variations of French creamed spinach include adding garlic or shallots to the dish for extra flavor.

How long does it take to make French creamed spinach?

It takes about 30 minutes to make French creamed spinach from start to finish.