A delightful, lighter take on a classic side dish, this light creamed spinach recipe offers a creamy and flavorful experience while keeping the calories in check. Perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses or serving at holiday gatherings, it brings together the fresh taste of spinach with a rich, cheesy sauce.
Photos of Light Creamed Spinach Recipe
Some ingredients in this recipe may not be staples in everyone’s pantry. Shallots are often more subtle than regular onions and can be found in the produce section. Boursin light is a type of creamy, flavored cheese, typically located in the specialty cheese aisle. Make sure to look for the fat free milk in the dairy section.
Ingredients For Light Creamed Spinach Recipe
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the shallots and garlic.
Shallots: Provide a mild onion flavor that blends well into the sauce.
Garlic: Enhances the savory flavor profile of the dish.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
Fat free milk: The base for the sauce, keeping it lighter.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the sauce.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
Pepper: For seasoning.
Salt: To taste, enhances all the flavors.
Boursin light: A creamy, flavored cheese that adds richness without too much fat.
Spinach: The star of the dish, providing freshness and nutrition.
One reader, Hubie Hogg says:
This light creamed spinach recipe is a game-changer! The blend of shallots, garlic, and boursin light creates a rich, flavorful sauce without the guilt. Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, it's a delightful side dish that pairs well with any meal. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Light Creamed Spinach
How to melt butter: Place the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat until it is fully melted. How to cook shallots and garlic: Add the shallots and garlic to the melted butter and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. How to add flour to shallots: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked shallots and garlic, then mix well and cook for 1 more minute to form a roux. How to add milk slowly: Reduce the heat to low and gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. How to mix in parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper: Add these ingredients to the milk mixture and stir well to combine. How to add boursin light: Incorporate the boursin light into the sauce and mix until smooth. How to combine spinach with sauce: Add the spinach to the pan and mix well with the sauce, then cook for 1 minute until heated through. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
How To Make Light Creamed Spinach
This creamed spinach is a 30-minute vegetarian dish cooked with Parmesan cheese and a hint of nutmeg, and made light and creamy with nonfat milk.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tspbutter
- ½cupshallots,minced
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- 2tbspflour
- 1½cupsfat free milk
- 2tbspParmesan cheese
- ¼tspnutmeg
- ¼tsppepper,fresh
- salt,to taste
- 4.4ozBoursin Light
- 16ozspinach,bag frozen chopped, thawed and drained of all moisture
Instructions
-
In a large saute pan, melt butter. Add shallots and garlic and cook on medium for about 5 minutes.
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Add flour to shallots, mix well and cook for 1 more minute.
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Reduce heat to low and slowly add milk, whisking well.
-
Add parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper and mix well.
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Add Boursin light and mix with until smooth.
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Add spinach and combine well with the sauce, then cook for 1 minute, until heated through. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
Nutrition
- Calories: 62.29kcal
- Fat: 1.92g
- Saturated Fat: 1.10g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.46g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.16g
- Carbohydrates: 7.77g
- Fiber: 1.67g
- Sugar: 3.30g
- Protein: 4.53g
- Cholesterol: 5.05mg
- Sodium: 276.74mg
- Calcium: 183.71mg
- Potassium: 434.16mg
- Iron: 1.74mg
- Vitamin A: 342.29µg
- Vitamin C: 17.31mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Light Creamed Spinach Recipe
When adding the flour to the shallots and garlic, make sure to cook it for a full minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and to create a smooth roux. This will help thicken the sauce without any lumps.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop shallots and garlic in advance to save time during cooking.
Use pre-washed spinach: Opt for pre-washed spinach to eliminate the need for washing and drying.
Measure ingredients beforehand: Have all ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking.
Utilize a food processor: Quickly mince shallots and garlic using a food processor.
Microwave the spinach: Briefly microwave the spinach to wilt it before adding to the pan, reducing cooking time.
Substitute Ingredients For Light Creamed Spinach Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthier fat alternative and still adds richness to the dish.
shallots - Substitute with yellow onions: Yellow onions have a similar flavor profile and can be used in the same quantity.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic to maintain the flavor.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent; use half the amount of cornstarch as you would flour.
fat free milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a lower-calorie, dairy-free alternative that works well in creamy recipes.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative.
nutmeg - Substitute with cinnamon: Cinnamon can add a warm, slightly sweet flavor similar to nutmeg.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor but won't alter the color of the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
boursin light - Substitute with light cream cheese: Light cream cheese provides a similar creamy texture and flavor.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a hearty, nutrient-rich alternative to spinach.
Presentation Ideas for Creamed Spinach
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the creamed spinach in a small, elegant dish, ensuring that the portion is just enough to tantalize the taste buds without overwhelming the palate.
Use a contrasting plate: Choose a white or light-colored plate to make the vibrant green of the spinach pop, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Garnish with finesse: Add a delicate sprinkle of finely grated parmesan cheese and a light dusting of freshly ground nutmeg on top for a touch of elegance and to hint at the flavors within.
Add a touch of color: Place a small, artfully arranged sprig of fresh parsley or microgreens on the side to add a burst of color and freshness.
Create height: Use a ring mold to shape the creamed spinach into a neat, cylindrical form, giving the dish height and a refined appearance.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle a thin line of extra virgin olive oil or a delicate balsamic reduction around the plate to add a touch of sophistication and an additional layer of flavor.
Serve with a crisp element: Accompany the creamed spinach with a small, crisp parmesan tuile or a thin slice of toasted baguette to provide a contrasting texture.
Ensure perfect temperature: Serve the creamed spinach warm, not hot, to ensure that the flavors meld perfectly and the dish remains comforting without being overly intense.
Highlight the ingredients: Mention the use of boursin light and fat free milk in the description to emphasize the lightness and health-conscious approach of the dish.
Finish with a touch of luxury: Add a few delicate flakes of sea salt just before serving to enhance the flavors and add a subtle crunch.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Creamed Spinach
Saute pan: Used for cooking the shallots and garlic, and later for combining the spinach with the sauce.
Whisk: Essential for mixing the flour into the shallots and for incorporating the milk smoothly into the mixture.
Measuring spoons: Needed for accurately measuring the butter, flour, and spices.
Measuring cups: Used for measuring the milk and parmesan cheese.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic clove quickly and efficiently.
Spatula: Useful for mixing the boursin light into the sauce until smooth.
Knife: Needed for finely chopping the shallots.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the shallots and garlic.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the spinach into the sauce and ensuring everything is well combined.
Measuring scale: Useful for measuring the exact amount of spinach and boursin light.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Creamed Spinach
- Allow the creamed spinach to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled creamed spinach to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan to freeze the creamed spinach, follow these steps for the best results:
- Portion the cooled creamed spinach into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing and to save space.
- Frozen creamed spinach will maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat the creamed spinach, follow these methods:
- From the refrigerator: Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- From frozen: Thaw the creamed spinach overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat using the same methods as mentioned above for refrigerated creamed spinach.
- If the reheated creamed spinach appears too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a small amount of milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning, if needed, after reheating, as flavors may mellow during storage.
How To Reheat Leftover Creamed Spinach
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps to maintain the creamy texture of the spinach and prevents it from becoming watery or overcooked.
For a quick and easy reheating option, place the leftover creamed spinach in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the spinach to become mushy.
If you prefer a slightly crispy top on your reheated creamed spinach, transfer the leftovers to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on the dish to prevent burning.
For a unique twist, try incorporating your leftover creamed spinach into other dishes. Spread it on top of a pizza crust before adding other toppings, or use it as a filling for stuffed chicken breasts or pasta shells. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of the creamed spinach in a new and exciting way.
Interesting Fact About Creamed Spinach
A random fact about this creamed spinach recipe is that it uses Boursin light, a type of cheese known for its creamy texture and herb-infused flavor, which adds a unique twist to the traditional creamed spinach.
Is Making Creamed Spinach at Home Cost-Effective?
This light creamed spinach recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like spinach, shallots, and garlic are relatively inexpensive. Specialty items like boursin light and parmesan cheese add a bit to the cost but are used in small quantities. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12. Given its nutritional value and delicious taste, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.
Is This Creamed Spinach Recipe Healthy?
The light creamed spinach recipe is a healthier take on the classic dish, incorporating several nutritious ingredients. The use of fat-free milk and light Boursin cheese significantly reduces the overall fat content, while the spinach provides a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The inclusion of shallots and garlic adds depth of flavor and additional health benefits. However, the recipe still contains some butter and flour, which may not be ideal for those following strict low-fat or gluten-free diets.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the butter with a heart-healthy oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil
- Use a gluten-free flour alternative, like almond flour or chickpea flour, to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities
- Increase the amount of spinach to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Experiment with adding other vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers, to increase the variety of vitamins and minerals
- Use a lower-fat alternative to Boursin cheese, such as a light cream cheese or a homemade cashew-based cream sauce, to further reduce the fat content while maintaining a creamy texture
Editor's Opinion on This Light Creamed Spinach Recipe
This light creamed spinach recipe is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The use of shallots and garlic adds a subtle depth, while the nutmeg provides a warm undertone. Incorporating Boursin light cheese ensures a creamy consistency without overwhelming richness. The fat-free milk keeps it light, making it a healthier alternative to traditional creamed spinach. However, consider using fresh spinach for a more vibrant taste and texture. Overall, it's a sophisticated yet simple dish that can elevate any meal.
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Why trust this Light Creamed Spinach Recipe:
This light creamed spinach recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any home cook. The combination of shallots, garlic, and boursin light creates a rich and creamy sauce without the extra calories. The addition of parmesan cheese and nutmeg adds depth and warmth to the dish. Trust this recipe for a delicious and healthy side that will impress your family and guests.
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