Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach for this recipe. Make sure to thaw it and drain off any excess water to maintain the desired creaminess of the dish. Frozen spinach can save you time and still provide great flavor.

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version of creamed spinach, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk. Alternatively, using a combination of nourishing vegetable or chicken broth with a small amount of cream can provide a satisfying flavor without all the calories.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the creamed spinach a day ahead and simply reheat it before serving. Add the fried shallots just before serving to maintain their crispiness.

What other cheeses can I use?

In addition to Parmesan, you can use Gruyère, feta, or even goat cheese for a unique touch. Each of these cheeses offers a different flavor profile, enhancing the dish’s creaminess.

Are there vegan alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, to make a vegan version of creamed spinach, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for an added cheesy flavor.

Creamed Spinach With Fried Shallots

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound Fresh Spinach
2 tablespoons Butter
1 cup Heavy Cream
2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 large Shallots, sliced thinly
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Pinch of Nutmeg
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the fresh spinach to the pot and stir continuously until wilted.
Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for about five minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
In a separate pan, heat oil and fry the thinly sliced shallots until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Serve the creamed spinach warm, topped with crispy fried shallots and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Author: james_walker
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sautéing and Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg