Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Creamed Spinach with Sautéed Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions?
It is a rich and creamy side dish made with fresh or frozen spinach, earthy mushrooms, and sweet caramelized onions, finished with sour cream.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Yes, this dish is categorized under breakfast and makes a perfect addition to brunch or as a savory side to eggs.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! The recipe provides instructions for both. You will need about 2 bunches of fresh spinach, washed and coarsely chopped.
How do I properly clean fresh spinach?
Unbundle the spinach and soak it in a sink of cold water. Swish it around to remove sand, drain, and repeat until the water is clear.
What is the best way to prepare frozen spinach for this recipe?
Ensure the frozen spinach is thawed completely and all excess moisture is squeezed out before cooking.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion in vegetable oil for about 5-7 minutes until they are translucent and slightly caramelized.
What kind of mushrooms are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sliced mushrooms, which are sautéed with garlic and onions until browned and tender.
Can I use dried garlic if I don't have fresh cloves?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried garlic for 2 cloves of fresh garlic.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, oil, and dairy products.
What makes the spinach creamy in this recipe?
The creaminess comes from folding in 3 tablespoons of sour cream after the vegetables are cooked and removed from the heat.
How do I prevent the creamed spinach from being watery?
Be sure to drain any remaining water after steaming fresh spinach or squeeze out all moisture from thawed frozen spinach.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I add more sour cream than the recipe suggests?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sour cream to achieve your preferred level of creaminess.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for sautéing the onions and mushrooms.
How should the spinach be cooked initially?
The spinach should be steamed in a large pan on medium heat until tender before being added to the other ingredients.
When should I add the mushrooms to the pan?
Add the sliced mushrooms and diced garlic once the onions have become translucent and slightly caramelized.
How long does it take to cook the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be sautéed for approximately 5-8 minutes until they are browned and tender.
When do I season the dish?
You should season with salt and pepper while sautéing the mushrooms and adjust again after folding in the sour cream.
Should the pan be on the heat when adding sour cream?
No, remove the pan from the heat before gently folding in the sour cream to prevent the dairy from breaking.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy eating, providing a nutritious way to consume spinach and mushrooms.
What tags describe this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as creamed spinach, mushrooms, onions, breakfast, side dish, vegetarian, easy recipe, comfort food, and healthy eating.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served hot, you can prepare the components ahead and combine them with sour cream just before serving.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It features an earthy flavor from mushrooms, sweetness from caramelized onions, and a rich, savory finish from the creamed spinach base.
Do I need to chop the fresh spinach?
Yes, once cleaned, the fresh spinach should be chopped coarsely before steaming.
Can I use this as a side for dinner?
Yes, although categorized as breakfast, it is a versatile side dish that accompanies any meal well.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a large onion, chopped.
How much garlic is needed?
You can use either 1 teaspoon of dried garlic or 2 cloves of fresh garlic, diced.
Is there a specific way to stir the sour cream?
The instructions recommend gently folding it in to maintain the texture of the vegetables.
What should I do if the mushrooms release a lot of liquid?
Continue sautéing until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms begin to brown for the best flavor.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is described as quick to prepare and an easy recipe suitable for family or guests.