Below are two versions of this recipe. One for a small family group of 4 to 6 people and one for a large family group of 10 to 12 people:
This dish is absolutely wonderful! It's a family favorite at our house for all holidays and special occasions. Even children like this spinach dish! I was taught how to make this German recipe by my children's grandmother.
This is one of those recipe where I normally buy a large amount (and I mean large amount) of spinach, and then decide how much Cream Sauce we will need to make. Be flexible! Once you make this recipe the first time, you will understand why I just do it and don't usually follow a recipe.
I've made this photo tutorial of this recipe especially for my two daughters, Brenda Weller and Nancy Hartman
Small Family Group of 4 to 6 people:
2 to 3 large bunches fresh spinach leaves
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Hard-cooked eggs, for garnish*
Cream Sauce (see recipe below)
*Check out How To Boil Eggs.
Wash spinach leaves thoroughly.
I fill my sink with cold water and place the spinach leaves in to soak a few minutes. Punch down to wet all the leaves, then grab handfuls of spinach (not drained) dripping with the water into your cooking pot. This will provide enough water so that you do not need to add more.
Wash spinach leaves thoroughly.
I fill my sink with cold water and place the spinach leaves in to soak a few minutes. Punch down to wet all the leaves, then grab handfuls of spinach (not drained) dripping with the water into your cooking pot. This will provide enough water so that you do not need to add more.
NOTE: As you can see, it takes a lot of spinach to feed my family their favorite dish!
In a large pot, covered, cook spinach until tender.
As soon as spinach is thoroughly wilted, remove from heat, and drain in a colander or strainer, pressing with the back of a kitchen spoon to squeeze out excess liquid. (This step is very important.)
NOTE: From a large pot full to what seems like very little spinach! There will be enough, so don't worry!
When ready to serve, prepare Cream Sauce. NOTE: If spinach bunches are extra large, you probably will need to double the Cream Sauce recipe.
CREAM SAUCE:
4 tablespoon butter
4 tablespoon finely chopped onion
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 to 4 cups milk*
* Depending on how thick you want the sauce will determine how much milk to use.
In a large frying pan or large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onions and cook until they are translucent and soft (about 10 to 15 minutes). NOTE: Sautéing the onions in the butter is the secret to this delicious sauce. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.
Add flour to the butter/onion mixture and blend thoroughly. When perfectly blended, smooth, and free from lumps (but not in the least browned), add salt and pepper. Gradually stir in the milk; reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce boils (may use some spinach juice in place of milk). Remove from heat.
No comments:
Post a Comment