Vegan creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or a main course. Made with fresh spinach and a luscious cashew-based cream sauce, this vegan version of the classic comfort food is both healthy and satisfying. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup (150 grams) raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes and drained
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) ground nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cashew Cream:
- In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, vegetable broth, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and ground nutmeg. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Cook the Spinach:
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet in batches, cooking until wilted. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
4. Combine and Cook:
- Once all the spinach is wilted, reduce the heat to low and pour the cashew cream into the skillet.
- Stir well to combine the spinach with the cashew cream sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the creamed spinach cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm as a side dish, or enjoy it as a main course over rice, quinoa, or pasta.
Cooking Tips:
- To save time, you can use pre-washed baby spinach instead of chopping fresh spinach.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend half of the cooked spinach with the cashew cream before combining it all together.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor of the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The cashew-based cream sauce provides a rich and creamy texture without the need for dairy.
- Nutrient-Dense: Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
- Versatile: This vegan creamed spinach can be served as a side dish or a main course, and it pairs well with a variety of other foods.
Conclusion:
Vegan creamed spinach is a delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional dish, offering all the creamy goodness without any dairy. With its rich cashew-based sauce and tender spinach, this dish is sure to become a favorite for vegans and non-vegans alike. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for any meal and can be enjoyed on its own or as a side. Try this vegan creamed spinach recipe and savor the comforting, creamy taste of this plant-based delight!