Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) fresh English spinach leaves, washed and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Spinach:
- Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Drain well and trim any tough stems.
- Blanch the Spinach:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the spinach leaves to the boiling water and blanch for about 1-2 minutes, just until wilted.
- Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the spinach and squeeze out any excess water. Chop it roughly.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Add the Spinach:
- Add the chopped, blanched spinach to the skillet and stir to combine it with the garlic and butter.
- Add Cream and Milk:
- Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
- Season and Flavor:
- Season the creamed spinach with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Serve:
- Once the creamed spinach has thickened to your liking and is heated through, it's ready to serve.
- Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the creamed English spinach as a side dish alongside your favorite main course.
This creamed spinach is a creamy, flavorful side dish that complements roasted meats, grilled fish, or even a vegetarian meal. Adjust the seasonings and consistency to suit your taste, and enjoy!