Sundays Yummy Healthier Almost Creamed Spinach Food

BEST HEALTHY CREAMED SPINACH

Steps:

• COOK SPINACH: Cook frozen spinach in microwave as per package instructions. I add a teaspoon of water and microwave it, covered, for 3 1/2 minutes on High. Drain in strainer, squeezing out as much moisture as possible. It's ok if a little bit remains. Note 1 for using fresh spinach.
• MAKE CREAM SAUCE: Heat butter and/or oil on medium heat in a medium saucepan. Add onions and sauté gently for 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté another 30 seconds. Mix in flour to make a roux. Stir for 2 minutes until it turns pale brown. Don't let it get dark. Add any combination of milk and cream that you like to equal 1 1/2 cups/354 ml. I generally use mostly fat free or 2% milk and about 1/4 cup half and half (10%) cream. Stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add salt, black pepper and nutmeg (if using) to your taste.
• COMBINE: Stir in cooked well-squeezed-out chopped spinach. Add Parmesan cheese if using. If mixture is too thick, add more milk until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately. Note 3 to make ahead.

"ALMOST" BOSTON MARKET CREAMED SPINACH

Steps:

• In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat until sizzling.
• If you are adding in the fresh garlic and a pinch of cayenne pepper then saute in butter for about 2 minutes but do not brown the garlic.
• Whisk in the flour and 1/2 tsp seasoned salt (or white salt) until creamed together and smooth.
• Stir in the half and half, or milk (if using) a little at a time.
• Increase heat to medium and constantly whisk until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
• Remove from heat; set aside.
• Place 2 tbsp butter in saucepan over med heat; add the 2 tbsp minced onion, and cook until transparent.
• Add spinach and water to pan, lower the heat, and cover.
• Stirring several times until the spinach is cooked.
• When the spinach is almost done, add the prepared white sauce, sour cream and Parmesan cheese (if using).
• Stir well, and simmer until completely blended.
• Season with more seasoned salt or white salt if desired and black pepper.

SUNDAY'S YUMMY HEALTHIER ALMOST CREAMED SPINACH

Steps:

• In a skillet or pan add the spinach with the rest of the ingredients.
• Turn the stovetop on medium.
• Stir the spinach every so often to mix the spinach and the rest of the ingredients together making sure the parmesan gets evenly distributed.
• After about 20 minutes on medium (if you choose to use that heat setting), the parmesan, butter and spinach should be warm, melted and thoroughly mixed.
• Serve and enjoy :).