Are you a fan of creamy, decadent sides? Then you're in for a treat! This recipe recreates the famous Ruth's Chris creamed spinach, a dish known for its luxuriously smooth texture and irresistible flavor. Forget those watery, bland spinach sides – this version is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner side or an impressive dish for a special occasion, this copycat recipe delivers that restaurant-quality taste you crave. Get ready to elevate your side dish game!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped onion (for extra flavor)
Instructions:
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Prep the Spinach: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Drain the spinach thoroughly in a colander and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy texture.
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Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic (and optional onion) and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the drained spinach to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the spinach is heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the creamed spinach hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite protein.
Cooking Tips for Perfection:
- Don't overcook the spinach: Overcooked spinach will be mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture.
- Squeeze out excess water: This is essential for preventing a watery creamed spinach.
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach offers a superior flavor and texture compared to frozen.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to your preference.
Variations:
- Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.
- Boost the cheese: For a richer flavor, increase the Parmesan cheese to 1/3 cup.
- Incorporate other vegetables: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or shallots for added depth of flavor.
- Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy the delicious, creamy goodness of this homemade Ruth's Chris creamed spinach! It’s a surefire way to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality side dish made with simple, fresh ingredients. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!