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Creamed Spinach

WHY IT’S LIGHT Our recipe for a hearty steakhouse side tweaks the formula for greater emphasis on the spinach and less on the “cream.” In fact, despite its name, there’s no cream in this dish. Instead, a mixture of flour and just one tablespoon of butter thickens a silky béchamel sauce.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup water
2 pounds baby spinach

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is pale golden and has a slightly nutty aroma, about 2 minutes.

    Step 2

    Whisking constantly, pour in milk; whisk until smooth. Cook mixture, stirring constantly and scraping bottom of pan, until boiling, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring the water to a simmer; add salt. Add spinach; cover and cook until spinach wilts, about 3 minutes. Transfer spinach to a colander to drain, pressing out as much liquid as possible.

    Step 4

    In a large bowl, stir together spinach and warm sauce until spinach is completely coated. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 5

    (Per Serving)

    Step 6

    Calories: 126

    Step 7

    Fat: 5.2g (3.1g Saturated Fat)

    Step 8

    Protein: 5.4g

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 17.5g

    Step 10

    Fiber: 5.4g

Everyday Food: Light
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