Description
Fresh spinach blanched, squeezed dry and folded into a shallot and nutmeg cream sauce, finished with Parmesan and a little lemon. About twenty minutes, and it can be made a day ahead.
Ingredients
Units
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach (or two 10-ounce packages frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- If using fresh spinach, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 1 minute until just wilted. Drain and transfer to an ice water bath. Squeeze the spinach very dry in a clean kitchen towel and chop roughly.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Fold in the squeezed spinach and stir until it is fully incorporated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Squeeze the blanched spinach in a clean towel until almost nothing drips out. Leftover water thins the sauce.
- Measure the nutmeg. 1/8 teaspoon is all the sauce needs, and more tastes medicinal.
- Frozen spinach works: use two 10-ounce packages, thawed and squeezed dry, and skip the blanching.
- It can be made up to a day ahead. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 525
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 10