This post originally published on 6/23/2010.
Tuesday is the day we pick up our CSA produce box at the drop point here in town. In addition to the glorious assortment of fresh herbs and lettuce, it was loaded with spinach, spinach and more spinach. I literally could not close the door to the fridge because of all the greens stuffed in it. To remedy the space issue I spent the afternoon washing, steaming and freezing spinach. When dinner time rolled around, creamed spinach popped into my head. It would be the perfect side for the steaks we were going to grill. Here is what I threw together. It surpassed my expectations! My 4-year old gobbled it down and my husband and I had thirds!
Ingredients
1/2 cup raw CASHEWS (soaked 4-6 hours)
1/2 medium ONION
3 tablespoons vegan MAYONNAISE
1/4 cup filtered WATER
1 teaspoon NUTRITIONAL YEAST
1/4-1/2 teaspoon SALT
1/8 teaspoon BLACK PEPPER
Pinch NUTMEG
2 tablespoons VEGAN BUTTER such as Earth Balance or olive oil
1 tablespoon AP FLOUR of choice.
2-3 cups steamed, chopped SPINACH (see NOTES)
Instructions
Add cashews, onion, mayonnaise, water, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper and nutmeg to carafe of high-powered blender. Blend on high 1-2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
În a medium saucepan over medium-high heat melt buttery spread. Whisk in flour. Stir constantly for one minute. Whisk in cashew milk mixture and continue whisking for one minute before stirring in spinach. Heat through and serve.
Notes
Washing Spinach: Fill both sides of a double sink with cold water. Plunge spinach into one side of sink. Agitate well then allow to sit for a minute or two while any sediment settles. Without disturbing the water, gently transfer spinach to the other half of sink and agitate well. Transfer spinach in batches to a salad spinner and spin.
Steaming Spinach: Trim large stems off of washed spinach. Add to a large pot along with 1/4 cup filtered water. Cover and steam 3 minutes or until spinach is soft but not mushy. Plunge steamed spinach into ice-cold water (this step helps preserve the vibrant green). Spin in salad spinner and/or squeeze out water with hands. Transfer to cutting board and chop.
2 comments
oh i just want to spend a week at your house and enjoy all your amazing food creations! Im sad you moved away!
This is amazing that I found this post…. I picked up MY share from Grant Family Farms this week and I am having the same spinach dilemma as you did! I am going to be making this tonight, thank you!