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Espinacas a la Crema Spinach in White Sauce

Published: Jul 15, 2021 · Modified: Dec 13, 2023 by Pilar Hernandez · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Versión en español

Spinach in white sauce, or "creamed spinach," or creamed spinach with béchamel sauce, is a delightful dish that combines creamy béchamel sauce with sautéed spinach. It's a classic side dish combining tender cooked spinach and creamy white sauce. This dish is delicious and a great way to incorporate healthy greens.

Chilean Creamed Spinach, Espinacas a la crema

Spinach in white sauce is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses.

Here are some options for what you can serve with spinach in white sauce:

  • Sauteed Chicken or Pollo a la plancha: Grilled, roasted, or baked chicken or turkey breast complements the creamy spinach nicely. 
  • Pan-fried fish or Pescado a la plancha: White fish, such as cod, tilapia, or halibut, pairs wonderfully with spinach in white sauce. The fish's flaky and delicate nature complements the sauce's creaminess.
  • Beef or Pork: Beef or pork dishes, such as steaks or pork, can be served alongside spinach in white sauce. 
  • Vegetarian Options: For a vegetarian meal, you can serve the creamed spinach with options like stuffed mushrooms or grilled portobello mushrooms.
  • Baked or Pan-fried Potatoes: Top a baked potato with a generous serving of Espinacas a la crema for a delicious and filling side dish. My grandmother always served them with cube french fries.

This dish can be prepared all year round with fresh or frozen spinach. If you use frozen water, it is better to let them throw, squeeze with your hands to discard part of the water and chop them.

You may also be interested in the recipe Chilean Pastel de Choclo (Beef Corn Pie)

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Espinacas a la Crema Chilean Spinach in White Sauce

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  • Author: Pilar Hernandez
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Stove cooked
  • Cuisine: Chilean
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Description

In Chile, creamed spinach is made in traditional white sauce.


Ingredients

Units
  • 5 cups of spinach washed and chopped, without hard stems
  • 3 tablespoons of flour
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 ½ cup whole milk
  • grated nutmeg
  • salt and pepper
  • ½ yellow onion, finely cubed, optional

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet with a lid, heat the oil and sautee the onion if using for 5 minutes.
  2. Melt the butter over medium heat, add the flour, and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes until it is cooked and bubbling, couple of minutes.
    Sautéed onion and butter cube Chilean Creamed Spinachroux base
  3. Remove from the heat and add the milk slowly and stir with a whisk to avoid lumps, season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.adding milk to the roux adding nutmeg to the roux
  4. Cook until thick, add the spinach and stir, cover to cook 2 minutes, and stir again.
    roux cookedspinach on cover pan
  5. Taste, adjust seasonings, and serve hot.
    Creamed Spinach

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 144
  • Sugar: 4.8 g
  • Sodium: 659.6 mg
  • Fat: 9.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10.5 g
  • Fiber: 1.1 g
  • Protein: 4.6 g

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Comments

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  1. Karla says

    August 13, 2021 at 2:19 am

    Doesn’t mention onion?

    Reply
    • Pilar Hernandez says

      August 13, 2021 at 11:49 am

      Last ingredient, it's optional.

      Reply
  2. Jessica Teige says

    August 12, 2021 at 12:14 pm

    When do you add the onions? I would think you'd start with the onions, but I can't seem to find it in the recipe. Am I missing something?

    Reply
    • Pilar Hernandez says

      August 12, 2021 at 6:05 pm

      Add the beginning, sauteed the onions, and continue with the recipe as written. I will make it more clear on the recipe card. Thanks.

      Reply
  3. chef muktar says

    August 10, 2021 at 8:57 pm

    Amazing

    Reply
    • Pilar Hernandez says

      August 11, 2021 at 12:53 pm

      Thanks.

      Reply
  4. Noluthando says

    April 22, 2021 at 9:27 am

    delicious

    Reply
    • Pilar Hernandez says

      April 22, 2021 at 12:18 pm

      I'm glad 🙂

      Reply

¡Hola!

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I'm Pilar Hernandez, a Latina mom, blogger since 2008, and urban farmer.

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