Gourmet Creamed Spinach à la Ruth's Chris
Indulge in a luxurious side dish that complements any thick, juicy steak. This Gourmet Creamed Spinach takes inspiration from the beloved Ruth's Chris Steak House, featuring a rich, creamy sauce infused with onion and aromatic bay leaf. With options for fresh or frozen spinach, this recipe ensures convenience without sacrificing flavor. It's a perfect addition to your dinner table, transforming a classic vegetable into an indulgent experience that promises to impress your guests and elevate your meal.
N/A
Servings
170
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
6 tablespoons (divided)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (sifted)
chopped onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
whole clove
1 (whole)
whole milk
2 cups (at room temperature)
ready-to-use fresh spinach
2 (10 ounce) bags (washed and drained)
Instructions
1
In a heavy medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until bubbling.
2
Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light golden brown, about 7 minutes.
3
Add the chopped onion, bay leaf, and whole clove to the saucepan, stirring until the onion becomes translucent.
4
Slowly whisk in the whole milk until fully combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
5
Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, approximately 10 minutes.
6
Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, whisking frequently. The sauce should be very thick at this stage.
7
Remove the bay leaf and whole clove from the sauce.
8
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the spinach just until wilted and tender, about 2 minutes.
9
Drain the spinach thoroughly and immediately transfer it to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process.
10
Once cooled, drain the spinach again, then bundle it in a kitchen towel and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible.
11
Transfer the squeezed spinach to a food processor and finely chop.
12
Add the chopped spinach to the warm cream sauce, simmering over low heat until heated through, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
13
Finally, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
10g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Creamed Spinach?
Gourmet Creamed Spinach is a luxurious, steakhouse-style side dish featuring a rich, creamy sauce and finely chopped spinach, inspired by Ruth's Chris Steak House.
How do I make the sauce for this recipe?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in whole milk and infusing it with onion, bay leaf, and a whole clove.
How long should I cook the butter and flour mixture?
You should whisk the butter and flour constantly over medium heat for about 7 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown.
What aromatics are included in the cream sauce?
The sauce is flavored with finely chopped onion, one whole bay leaf, and one whole clove.
Can I use fresh spinach?
Yes, the recipe calls for two 10-ounce bags of ready-to-use fresh spinach that has been washed and drained.
How do I prepare the spinach for this dish?
Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, shock it in ice water, squeeze it dry in a towel, and then finely chop it in a food processor.
What is the secret to a thick creamed spinach sauce?
The secret is allowing the sauce to come to a boil for 10 minutes and then simmering for an additional 5 minutes until it is very thick.
How much spinach is required for this recipe?
You will need 20 ounces total, which is two 10-ounce bags of fresh spinach.
Should the spinach be chopped?
Yes, after the spinach is cooked and dried, it should be transferred to a food processor and finely chopped for the best texture.
How do I remove excess water from the spinach?
Bundle the blanched spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze it firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
Why is an ice bath used for the spinach?
The ice water stops the cooking process immediately, ensuring the spinach remains tender and doesn't overcook.
What type of milk is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of whole milk at room temperature.
How long does the sauce simmer after thickening?
Once the sauce has thickened, you should lower the heat and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
When should I remove the whole clove and bay leaf?
Remove the bay leaf and whole clove from the sauce after it has finished simmering for 5 minutes and before adding the spinach.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 170 calories in a serving of this Gourmet Creamed Spinach.
Is this recipe similar to the one at Ruth's Chris?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to take inspiration from the beloved version served at Ruth's Chris Steak House.
Can I make this side dish ahead of time?
While it is best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce and spinach separately and combine them when ready to heat through.
What is the total fat content?
This recipe contains 12 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 3.75 grams of protein.
What are the final seasonings used?
The dish is finished with salt and pepper to taste, along with 2 additional tablespoons of butter stirred in at the end.
How much butter is needed in total?
You will need 6 tablespoons of butter in total: 4 tablespoons for the roux and 2 tablespoons to stir in at the end.
Can I chop the spinach by hand?
Yes, you can finely chop it by hand, but a food processor is recommended for the most consistent texture.
Why do I add onions to the roux?
The onions are added to the roux and cooked until translucent to provide a savory flavor base for the cream sauce.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates in each serving of this creamed spinach.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional information does not indicate any sugar content for this recipe.
What type of saucepan is best for the sauce?
A heavy medium saucepan is best to prevent the flour and milk mixture from burning while whisking.
How long do I boil the spinach?
The spinach should be boiled in a large pot of water for just about 2 minutes until wilted.
What should I serve with this creamed spinach?
This luxurious side dish is perfect for serving alongside a thick, juicy steak.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe description notes that frozen spinach can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh spinach.
What is the last step before serving?
The final step is to stir in the remaining butter, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.