Low Sodium Creamed Spinach

Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of Low Sodium Creamed Spinach, a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe balances indulgent creaminess with heart-smart ingredients, featuring fresh spinach leaves sautéed with garlic and folded into a smooth sauce made from unsalted butter, milk, and a touch of cream cheese for luxurious texture. Fragrant notes of nutmeg and a blend of black and white pepper elevate the flavor, all while keeping the sodium levels in check. Ready in just 30 minutes, this side dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as a topping for crostini. It's the ideal choice for those seeking a guilt-free yet flavorful addition to any meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 24 ounces fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk
• 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 3 ounces cream cheese

Directions

Step 1

Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. If necessary, remove tough stems. Pat dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner.

Step 2

Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Add the spinach to the pan in batches if necessary, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are wilted. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove spinach from the pan and set aside in a colander to drain any excess liquid.

Step 5

In the same pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Add the nutmeg, black pepper, and ground white pepper to the sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 8

Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add them to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 9

Return the cooked spinach to the pan with the cream sauce, stirring to incorporate. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is heated through.

Step 10

Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary, keeping in mind this is a low sodium recipe.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or as a topping for crostini or grilled chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1199.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1052.3

Total Fat 77.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 180.8mg	0%
Sodium 960.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 63.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.2g	0%
Total Sugars 23.4g
Protein 40.4g	0%

Vitamin D 161.0IU	0%
Calcium 1256.5mg	0%
Iron 19.6mg	0%
Potassium 4552.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.8%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 22.7%