A classic French comfort dish that is both simple and elegant. Fresh spinach melts into a rich and velvety cream sauce, making it the perfect side dish or light main course that will elevate any meal.
⏱️25 min
📊Easy
👥4 servings
🍽️Main
quickbudget-friendlyfamilyvegetarian
Ingredients
800 gfresh spinach
200 mlcrème fraîche
2 piècesshallots
30 gbutter
1 pincéesalt
1 pincéepepper
0.5 pincéenutmeg
1 goussegarlic
Instructions
1PREPARE THE SPINACH: Gently wash the fresh spinach under cold running water, pressing it lightly between your hands to remove water and dirt. Drain well by placing it in a colander. Roughly chop the shallots and mince the garlic finely. This step is crucial so the spinach cooks evenly and the sauce adheres properly.
2COOK THE SPINACH: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped shallots and garlic, let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Then gradually add the spinach while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, as it will reduce significantly in volume while releasing its water. Continue until all the spinach is incorporated and well packed down.
3BRAISE: Let cook for 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is completely wilted and any excess water has evaporated. You should have a homogeneous and moist preparation with no water pooling at the bottom of the skillet. The spinach should have a tender, melting texture, almost creamy.
4INCORPORATE THE CREAM: Pour the crème fraîche directly over the spinach and stir vigorously to incorporate it well. Cook for another 3-4 minutes over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the cream is hot and the mixture is homogeneous and velvety. The cream should coat each spinach leaf evenly.
5FINAL SEASONING: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Add a generous pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, which brings a sweet and aromatic flavor typical of this classic dish. Stir one last time so all the flavors blend perfectly. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.