Description
This Creamed Spinach recipe delivers a comforting and creamy side dish featuring fresh spinach, smoky turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese. With simple ingredients and rich flavors, it is perfect for elevating any meal, whether a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or diced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Start by washing the fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for about 1 minute until just wilted. Drain well and squeeze out any excess water to avoid soggy creamed spinach.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, releasing its smoky fat to flavor the dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey bacon. Cook until fragrant and softened, taking care not to let the garlic brown to prevent bitterness.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat. Stir in the plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Gradually sprinkle in the natural gelling agent while stirring continuously to form a smooth, thick sauce.
- Combine and Season: Add the blanched spinach and plant-based cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the spinach is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Notes
- Drain the spinach well to prevent watery texture.
- Use quality smoked turkey bacon for a perfect smoky flavor.
- Cook onion and garlic on low heat to develop sweetness without burning.
- Add plant-based cheese gradually to melt slowly and achieve silky texture.
- Taste frequently and adjust salt and pepper to maintain balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: creamed spinach, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy side dish, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, plant-based milk
