creamed spinach (take 2)

I had been looking for a reason to make creamed spinach again and this week's Greek Chicken Stew gave me the opportunity. Creamed spinach is the perfect side dish to the chicken stew which already offers a protein, vegetables and starch (it's served over rice). The creamed spinach brings some ooey-gooey, creamy goodness to the plate plus some healthful dark greens.

I made creamed spinach once before but this time I changed it up a bit and found an easier method with a tastier result. The price per serving is a bit higher but I upped the serving size a smidgen so the total recipe gives you four larger servings rather than six smaller servings. Of course, serving size is subjective.

The differences between the old recipe and the new recipe are as follows: I had some grated parmesan on hand so I melted that into the cream sauce (YAY FOR CHEESE!), I used loose frozen chopped spinach rather than the box of packed frozen spinach (gives a better texture), I used minced garlic from the jar instead of chopping an onion and garlic (so much easier), and I added a bit of nutmeg for a more classic alfredo taste. The results were fantastic and I haven't stopped eating it (or Egg Florentine Quesadillas) since!




Total Recipe cost: $2.93
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Cost per serving: $0.73
Prep time: 0 min. Cook time: 20 min. Total: 20 min.

INGREDIENTS		COST
1 lb.	frozen, cut spinach	$1.27
4 Tbsp	butter	$0.20
1 Tbsp	minced garlic	$0.25
1/4 cup	all-purpose flour	$0.13
2 cups	whole milk	$0.70
1/4 cup	grated parmesan	$0.23
to taste	salt and pepper	$0.05
1/8 tsp	nutmeg	$0.05
TOTAL		$2.93

STEP 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet with the minced garlic over medium/high heat. Once it is melted and sizzling, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue to cook and whisk for 2 minutes (to cook out the floury taste). The flour should not turn brown during this step. If it begins to, lower the heat slightly.

STEP 2: Whisk in the 2 cups of milk until all of the flour/butter clumps have dissolved. Let the liquid come up to a simmer while whisking. This sauce should thicken quickly once it simmers. Once it is thickened, you can add the parmesan cheese. Whisk it in until it is melted and thoroughly incorporated.

STEP 3: After adding the parmesan, stir in the frozen spinach (I didn't even bother thawing or draining). Keep stirring until the mixture is heated through (5-7 minutes).

STEP 4: Season the mixture with salt, freshly cracked black pepper and ground nutmeg. Enjoy!

Step By Step Photos


Melt together the butter and garlicky goodness.


Add in the flour and whisk until all of the flour is evenly mixed into the melted butter. Continue to cook and whisk for 1-2 minutes.


Add the milk and bring to a simmer while whisking. Once the sauce has thickened, whisk in the parmesan cheese (pictured).


Stir in the bag of loose, chopped, frozen spinach. Stir and cook until heated through. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.