Description
This Creamed Spinach recipe features a luscious, creamy texture with smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese. It offers a smoky, savory flavor and silky consistency, perfect as a versatile side dish for a variety of meals. Easy to prepare with wholesome ingredients, it provides a nutritious, comforting way to enjoy spinach.
Ingredients
Produce
- Fresh Spinach – 10 cups, washed
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Meat Substitute
- Smoked Turkey Bacon – 4 slices, cut into small strips
Dairy Alternatives
- Plant-Based Cheese – 1 cup, shredded
- Plant-Based Milk – 1 1/2 cups
Pantry Staples
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Flour – 2 tablespoons
- Natural Gelling Agent – 1 teaspoon
- Apple Cider Vinegar (natural) – 1 tablespoon
- Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural) – 1 tablespoon
- Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon, freshly cracked
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Thoroughly wash the spinach to remove any grit. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the smoked turkey bacon into small strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the smoked turkey bacon pieces. Sauté until crispy and browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches if necessary. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and releases its moisture but is not overcooked. This helps concentrate its flavor and texture.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the spinach and stir well to combine, allowing it to cook for about a minute. Gradually pour in the plant-based milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Add a small amount of natural gelling agent to thicken the mixture. Keep stirring until the sauce is thick and silky.
- Final Seasoning and Cheese: Return the smoked turkey bacon to the pan. Pour in apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), then season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and fold in the plant-based cheese until it melts into the sauce, making the creamed spinach irresistibly creamy.
Notes
- After wilting, squeeze spinach lightly to avoid watery creamed spinach.
- Warm plant-based milk slightly before adding to maintain sauce smoothness.
- Cook flour well before adding liquids to prevent a raw flour taste.
- Use fresh spinach for vibrant color and texture, avoiding frozen spinach when possible.
- For thicker creamed spinach, add more natural gelling agent slowly while stirring.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: creamed spinach, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy spinach, side dish, vegetarian, gluten free