“Lightened Up” Creamed Spinach – Recipe!

Don’t you miss going out to dinner?  I sure do.  I miss getting dressed up, or at least putting on a nicer pair of blue jeans, and getting into the Los Angeles traffic to dine somewhere familiar, or unfamiliar.  I miss rushing the front door of a bustling establishment, and being greeted by a smiling host who is eager to seat me.  I miss sitting elbow-to-elbow next to strangers, while I ponder the menu.  I miss looking up at the waiter and smiling, while he reads the specials and offers his or her best opinion about their favorite dishes.  And yes, I even miss screaming over the loud rap music that is playing above us, while trying to enjoy my perfectly cooked food.

Well, with that in mind, this recipe is a nod to a restaurant-style side dish that I enjoy when I go out to dinner with my husband.  Creamed Spinach, an old-school favorite, is still on steakhouse menus across this city, and even though we don’t frequent steakhouses that often, I still do enjoy this creamy side of greens.  When cooking it at home, I lightened it up a bit because I can, and I think it tastes just as good, if not better, than the classic.  I use whole-milk, and cut the cream out entirely, and add a touch of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.  This quick side is done in minutes and tastes so delightful with a good steak, roast chicken, or even a hardier piece of fish.  Every bites brings me back to dining in restaurants, and how I long for one.  #StayHome

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter

1 shallot, minced

1 clove garlic, peeled

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

splash of hot sauce, any variety

1 bunch of fresh spinach or 5 cups spinach leaves

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

salt & pepper

 (Serves 4)

To Prepare:

1. In a large saute pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon butter, shallot and whole garlic.  Cook for 2 minutes.  Add flour and stir, continue to cook for 1 minute.  Add milk, mustard, Worcestershire, hot sauce, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, whisk until thickened and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add spinach, all at once and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.  Top with Parmesan and season with more salt and pepper, as desired.  Serve immediately.  Enjoy!