Creamy German-Style Spinach Medley
Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of this Creamy German-Style Spinach Medley. This delightful dish combines fresh spinach with aromatics and a creamy sauce, elevating the nutritious green into a sumptuous side that complements any meal. Perfect for those seeking a comforting yet healthy addition to their dinner table, this recipe showcases the essence of traditional German cuisine, offering a modern twist that appeals to all tastes. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s an ideal choice for gatherings or intimate dinners alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
10 ounces (washed)
medium onion
1 (roughly chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for roux)
milk or light cream
to desired consistency (added gradually)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) (to season)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh spinach and the roughly chopped onion under cold running water to remove any grit.
2
2. In a large pot, bring a small amount of water to a boil. Place the washed spinach and chopped onion into a steam basket or directly into the pot and cover. Steam for 5 to 10 minutes, or until both the spinach is wilted and the onion is soft.
3
3. Once cooked, finely chop the spinach and onion together, then add the minced garlic cloves to the mixture. Transfer this fragrant blend to a medium-sized pot.
4
4. In a small saucepan, combine the flour and olive oil over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture turns golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This creates a roux that will thicken the sauce.
5
5. Gradually add the roux to the chopped spinach mixture, stirring until well combined and evenly blended.
6
6. Pour in milk or light cream, slowly stirring to integrate it with the spinach and roux mixture. Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more milk or cream.
7
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has thickened and the flavors meld beautifully.
8
8. Season to taste with salt, and serve warm as a decadent side dish to accompany your favorite main courses. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy German-Style Spinach Medley?
It is a rich, velvety side dish that combines fresh spinach with aromatics and a creamy sauce, reflecting traditional German cuisine with a modern twist.
Is this spinach recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses fresh vegetables, olive oil, and dairy.
What are the main ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include fresh spinach, a medium onion, garlic cloves, flour, olive oil, milk or light cream, and salt.
How much spinach is required for this recipe?
You will need 10 ounces of washed fresh spinach.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be roughly chopped and then washed under cold running water before steaming.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
How long should the spinach and onion be steamed?
They should be steamed for 5 to 10 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the onion is soft.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic cloves to the mixture after finely chopping the steamed spinach and onion together.
How is the thickening agent for the sauce prepared?
A roux is created by combining 3 tablespoons of flour and 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
How long does it take to cook the roux?
The flour and oil mixture should be stirred continuously for about 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown.
What type of liquid is used to make the spinach creamy?
You can use either milk or light cream depending on your preference.
How do I achieve the desired consistency for the sauce?
Gradually add the milk or light cream to the spinach and roux mixture, stirring slowly to integrate.
How long does the spinach medley need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for approximately 30 minutes.
Why does the dish need to simmer for 30 minutes?
Simmering allows the spinach to thicken and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk or light cream during the mixing process.
Is this recipe considered a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious green side that is both comforting and healthy.
How should I season the German-style spinach?
Season the dish to taste with salt once the simmering process is complete.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is ideal for both gatherings and intimate dinners.
What is the first step in preparing the ingredients?
The first step is thoroughly washing the fresh spinach and chopped onion under cold running water.
Do I chop the spinach before or after steaming?
The spinach should be finely chopped after it has been steamed with the onion.
What kind of oil is recommended for the roux?
The recipe specifies using olive oil to create the roux.
Should I boil the spinach?
The recipe suggests steaming the spinach either in a steam basket or directly in a pot with a small amount of boiling water.
Can I use heavy cream instead of light cream?
While the recipe suggests milk or light cream, heavy cream could be used for an even richer result.
How do I serve this dish?
It should be served warm as a decadent side dish to accompany your favorite main courses.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
Expect a rich, velvety, and aromatic flavor profile with a hint of garlic and onion.
How many ingredients in total are needed?
There are 7 ingredients required for this recipe.
Is the garlic steamed with the other vegetables?
No, the garlic is minced and added to the mixture after the spinach and onions have been steamed and chopped.
What happens to the roux after it turns golden brown?
The roux is gradually added to the chopped spinach mixture and stirred until well combined.
Can this dish be served at room temperature?
The instructions recommend serving the dish warm to best enjoy the creamy goodness.
What tools are needed for the roux?
You will need a small saucepan and a stirring utensil to cook the flour and olive oil over medium heat.