Kamil Perry
Spinach and cheese are a match made in heaven, and there are many ways to cook them together. One option is to make cheesy creamed spinach, which involves cooking spinach with butter, onion, garlic, cream, and cheese. Another option is to make spinach-cheese balls, which are a great snack or appetizer. To make these, you'll need to mix spinach and cheese together, shape the mixture into balls, coat them with breadcrumbs, and then fry them until golden brown. Whether you choose to make a creamy dish or crispy balls, the combination of spinach and cheese is sure to be delicious.
How to cook spinach with cheese curls
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Spinach, Butter, Onion, Garlic, Cream, Cheese (provolone, parmesan, cream cheese), Salt, Pepper, Bread crumbs |
| Instructions | 1. Wilt and drain the spinach |
| 2. Cook onion and garlic in butter until tender | |
| 3. Add spinach, cream, and cheese | |
| 4. Season with salt and pepper | |
| Variations | - Add bacon, oregano, and parsley |
| - Substitute provolone cheese with another variety | |
| Serving suggestion | Shape the mixture into balls, roll in bread crumbs, and fry until golden brown. Serve with pasta sauce for dipping. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the spinach
To prepare the spinach, start by washing and drying 3 10-ounce bags of fresh spinach. Remove any large stems and roughly chop the leaves. You can choose to wilt the spinach before adding it to the rest of the ingredients to remove excess moisture, which will prevent your final dish from becoming watery. To wilt the spinach, place it in a pan over the stove and cook until it wilts, then drain the excess liquid.
Alternatively, you can add the spinach directly to the pan with the other ingredients and let it cook down. If you choose this method, be sure to stir the mixture regularly to prevent the spinach from burning. Either way, you will need to cook the spinach until it is wilted and reduced in volume.
Once the spinach is wilted, you can begin to build the flavors of the dish. Start by adding in your cream, stirring to combine. You can use heavy cream or a substitute such as half-and-half, depending on your preference. Then, add in your cheese. Provolone and Parmesan are classic choices, but you can also add cream cheese for a richer dish. Tear the provolone into small pieces and add it to the spinach mixture, stirring until it is melted and coats the spinach.
Finally, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add in some additional herbs and spices, such as oregano and parsley, to enhance the flavor of the spinach.
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Cook the onions and garlic
To cook the onions and garlic for cheesy creamed spinach, start by finely mincing them. Then, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic to the melted butter and cook them together, stirring occasionally, until they are tender. This should take around 5 minutes. Make sure to keep stirring so that the ingredients blend seamlessly and nothing burns. If you'd like to add some extra flavour, you could also sauté the onions with some finely chopped bacon.
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Add cream and cheese
Once the onions and garlic are tender, it's time to add the spinach and cream. Start with three 10-ounce bags of fresh spinach, and remember to wilt the spinach before adding the cream to avoid a watery mess. You can do this by roughly chopping the spinach, removing the bigger stems, and wilting it on the stove. Drain off any excess water before adding it to the pan.
Next, stir in the cream. You'll need 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream for the perfect, rich creamed spinach. Once the spinach and cream are combined, it's time to add the cheese. Tear the provolone cheese into small pieces and lay them on top of the spinach mixture. Stir the cheese through the spinach until it is melted and coats the spinach leaves.
Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir this through until it is melted and combined. At this point, you can add any extra herbs or seasonings you like. Some people like to add extra garlic and onion, or even cream cheese, oregano, and parsley.
Continue to cook the mixture, stirring until it thickens. You can then season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
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Season to taste
When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are the dynamic duo that can enhance the flavours of your cheesy creamed spinach. Start by adding a pinch of salt to taste. You can always add more, but it's important not to overpower the other ingredients. Give it a good stir to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
Next, add a few grinds of black pepper. Freshly ground pepper has a more robust flavour, so if you have whole peppercorns and a grinder, it's worth the extra effort. But pre-ground pepper will also do the trick. The pepper adds a sharp, pungent note to the dish, cutting through the richness of the cheese and cream.
If you want to get creative, you can also experiment with other seasonings. Some people like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Others might opt for dried herbs like oregano or parsley, which can add a nice earthy dimension to the dish. A sprinkle of nutmeg can also be a surprising yet delightful addition, offering a warm, slightly sweet undertone to the spinach.
Remember, seasoning is subjective, so adjust the amounts to suit your palate. And always taste as you go to ensure you don't over-season. The key is to find the right balance that accentuates the flavours of the spinach, cheese, and cream without overwhelming them.
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Serve with sides
This cheesy creamed spinach recipe is a decadent and irresistible side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:
Grilled Meat or Poultry
The creamy spinach can act as a delicious, rich counterpart to grilled meats like steak, lamb chops, or chicken breasts. The garlic and onion in the dish complement the savoury flavours of grilled proteins.
Pasta
For a comforting and indulgent meal, serve the cheesy spinach alongside a hearty pasta dish. The spinach can be a tasty topping or mix-in for pasta bakes, stuffed shells, or simple spaghetti.
Salads
This spinach dish can also be served as part of a refreshing salad. Pair it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or a heartier grain salad with farro or quinoa. The creaminess of the spinach will add an interesting dimension to the salad.
Breads
Serve the creamed spinach with a variety of breads, such as crusty baguette, garlic bread, or warm, fluffy naan. The cheese curls will go well with the carbohydrates, and the spinach will add a nice, healthy touch to balance out the meal.
Roasted Vegetables
For a vegetarian option, pair the creamed spinach with roasted vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, or eggplant. The cheese curls will add a nice, indulgent touch to the dish, and the spinach will provide extra nutrients and flavour.
These are just a few suggestions, but the versatility of spinach and cheese means that this dish can be a great side for a wide variety of meals.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need spinach, butter, onion, garlic, cream, cheese, and seasonings. For the cheese curls, you can use provolone and parmesan cheese.
First, cook the onion and garlic in butter until tender. Then, add the spinach and cream. Stir in the cheese until it melts and coats the spinach. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens. Finally, season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Yes, you can add extra ingredients such as bacon, cream cheese, oregano, parsley, or bread crumbs to make spinach balls. Additionally, ensure that the onion and garlic are finely minced, and don't skip wilting the spinach to remove excess moisture before adding the cream.
