Description
This easy Creamed Spinach recipe is a rich, creamy, and flavorful side dish made with fresh spinach, plant-based dairy, and smoky turkey bacon. It offers a smooth velvety texture complemented by bold smoky and umami notes. Perfect for any meal from breakfast to dinner, it can also be used as a dip or a versatile addition to several dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup plant-based dairy (cream or milk)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon plant-based butter
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Thoroughly wash fresh spinach leaves to remove any grit. Lightly steam or sauté the spinach until just wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery cream.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Slice the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside the bacon pieces, reserving some of the rendered fat for the next step.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the bacon fat and plant-based butter, gently sauté minced garlic and finely chopped onion until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base.
- Combine Spinach and Dairy: Add the cooked spinach back into the pan with the aromatics. Pour in the plant-based dairy and sprinkle the natural gelling agent to achieve a perfect creamy texture, stirring continuously to combine without lumps.
- Add Flavor Boosters: Stir in the crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces and the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to deepen the umami profile. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting the balance as needed.
- Simmer and Thicken: Allow the mixture to gently simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- Choose fresh spinach: Fresh spinach provides the best texture and flavor compared to frozen.
- Do not overcook the spinach to keep its bright color and prevent sogginess.
- Use rendered smoked turkey bacon fat for added depth and richness.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the spinach to avoid watery cream.
- Add the natural gelling agent carefully and whisk well to prevent clumping.
- Season toward the end to balance the creamy and smoky flavors perfectly.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free; just ensure the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) is gluten free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: creamed spinach, plant-based dairy, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, side dish, gluten free, creamy spinach
