Steakhouse Creamed Spinach with a Bold Curry Twist

Imagine the smooth, soulful vibes of a rhythm and blues classic, now served on your plate. This steakhouse-style creamed spinach gets a bold remix with a touch of curry spice, creating a harmony of velvety richness and warm, earthy notes.

It’s like a slow jam for your taste buds—familiar yet surprising, comforting yet daring. Whether you’re pairing it with a perfectly grilled steak or letting it shine solo, this dish will hit all the right flavors, leaving you singing for seconds.

Related Spinach Posts:

• Keto Creamed Spinach
• Easy Sauteed Spinach
• Caribbean Callaloo Stew

Creamed spinach is a classic American steakhouse dish. I decided to add a bit of a twist to this version put adding some Caribbean elements. I went heavy on the curry powder for color, flavor, and aroma. Plus I included allspice as part of the seasoning mix for additional warmth, depth, and complexity.

This steakhouse-style creamed spinach can also be enjoyed as a spinach dip, perfect for pairing with tortilla chips or crackers.

It’s popularity can be attributed to a few key factors that make it the perfect complement to rich, flavorful steaks. That smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the hearty chewiness of a steak. Plus it’s easy to make creamed spinach which is what you want in a side dish when pairing it with steak. Lastly it’s both familiar and indulgent.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Creamed Spinach)

Latimore's "Let Me Go" pairs beautifully with creamy spinach with curry because both exude a soulful depth that lingers. The smooth, heartfelt rhythm of the song mirrors the velvety richness of the spinach, while the curry's warm spice adds complexity, much like Latimore’s emotive delivery.

Together, they create a harmonious experience that’s comforting yet bold—a perfect match for savoring soulful flavors with a timeless groove.

Key Ingredients Needed To Make This Dish

• Spinach - I prefer bagged baby spinach but frozen chopped spinach can be used in a pinch.
• Heavy Cream
• Curry Powder
• Allspice
• Garlic
• Onions

How To Make This Steakhouse Creamed Spinach Recipe

Prepare The Spinach

In a large saucepan melt a tablespoon of butter or olive oil on low heat. Add spinach and give it a quick mixing. Cover with lid and allow to reduce 2-3 minutes/ Spinach should be fully wilted but not changing color.

Remove spinach and let any liquid drain off. Wrap spinach in paper towel squeezing away any remaining moisture.

Chop spinach into smaller pieces.

Make the Cream Base

Premix the seasoning (pepper, paprika, salt, allspice) in a small bowl or ramekin. Set aside.

Melt remaining butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of the curry, mix well, and let simmer a minute to release that curry aroma. Add onions or shallots sauteing for 2 minutes, then add the garlic plus a ¼ of the seasoning base. Mix well and cook another minute.

Add the flour, mix well, and allow to cook 2-3 minutes stirring continuously.

Add the heavy cream, mix well into a fairly smooth consistency. Add half the remaining seasoning mix plus about another ½ teaspoon of the curry powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat stirring occasionally. Cream will thicken some.

Add the spinach to the creamy sauce mixing thoroughly to ensure all the spinach is coated with the cream mixture.

Cover with the lid and allow to simmer 6-7 minutes. stir 1-2 times.

Serve with grated parmesan cheese (or cotija), lemon zest, and optionally some red pepper flakes.

What to Serve With Spinach

Creamed spinach is a rich, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Here are some great options to serve alongside it:

Steak - Ribeye, filet mignon, or T-bone steaks bring out the dish's creamy richness.

Pork Chops - Grilled or seared pork chops pair well with the creamy and slightly earthy spinach.

Grilled Salmon - The richness of salmon pairs wonderfully with creamed spinach.

Seared Scallops - Their delicate, buttery flavor complements the dish’s creaminess.

Stuffed Mushrooms - Pairing creamed spinach with stuffed portobello mushrooms makes a hearty vegetarian meal.

Grilled Vegetables - Asparagus, zucchini, or roasted tomatoes offer a fresh contrast.

Mashed Potatoes - Creamy and indulgent, they’re a classic pairing with spinach.

Tips For Making The Best Creamed Spinach Recipe

Choose Fresh or Frozen Spinach

• Fresh Spinach: Opt for baby spinach for a tender, mild flavor. Blanch or sauté briefly before adding to the cream sauce to remove excess water.
• Frozen Spinach: Thaw and squeeze out all the moisture to avoid a watery dish.

Prepare the Spinach Properly

• Blanch or sauté fresh spinach to soften it and remove excess water.
• After cooking, squeeze the spinach in a clean kitchen towel or press it in a colander to remove as much liquid as possible.

Balance the Curry Flavor

• Use a mild curry powder to avoid overpowering the spinach. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance and desired flavor depth.
• Enhance the curry with complementary spices like allspice, paprika, cumin, or coriander for a more layered flavor profile.

Use High-Quality Cream

• Use heavy cream or half-and-half for the creamiest texture. For a lighter version, substitute with coconut milk, which also pairs beautifully with curry.

Create a Flavorful Base

• Start by sautéing garlic, onions, or shallots in butter or ghee to build a savory foundation for the dish. Add the curry powder at this stage to bloom the spices and enhance their aroma.

Incorporate the Spinach Gradually

• Add the spinach to your prepared cream sauce in small batches. This ensures the sauce coats the spinach evenly.

Cook on Low Heat

• Simmer the creamed spinach gently on low heat. High heat can cause the sauce to break or the cream to curdle.

Adjust Thickness as Needed

• If Too Thick:
  • Stir in a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen the mixture.
• If Too Thin:
  • Add a slurry made of cornstarch and water, or sprinkle in a small amount of flour while whisking continuously.

Avoid Overcooking

• Add the spinach to the cream mixture just long enough to heat through and absorb the flavors. Overcooking can cause the spinach to lose its vibrant color and texture.

Season to Taste

• After adding the curry, taste the dish and adjust the salt, pepper, or curry intensity as needed. A dash of lemon juice or vinegar can brighten the flavors at the end.

Customize the Dish

• Add grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese for extra richness. I used cotija cheese
• Stir in a handful of chopped nuts (like cashews or almonds) for texture.

Make It Ahead

Cook the dish up to a day in advance, as the flavors of the curry and spinach meld and intensify over time. Reheat gently to avoid splitting the cream. Note leftover creamed spinach makes for a great spinach dip, pairing well with tortilla chips or crackers.

Serve It Hot

• Creamed spinach is best served warm as a side dish. Keep it hot in a covered dish until ready to serve.
• Creamed spinach is best enjoyed hot and fresh. If it sits too long, it may thicken too much or separate. If needed, reheat with a splash of cream to restore consistency.

Leftovers and Storage

Leftover creamed spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the creamed spinach in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat creamed spinach in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cream to separate.

If you’re looking to freeze creamed spinach, it’s best to do so before adding the cream and cheese. Simply cook the spinach according to your recipe, then let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen creamed spinach can be stored for up to 3-4 months.

When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the frozen spinach and add the cream and cheese according to your recipe. (Keep keywords: creamed spinach, frozen spinach, leftover creamed spinach, reheat creamed spinach)

Conclusion

Creamed spinach is a delicious and versatile side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy sauce, it’s a great way to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress your guests at a special occasion.

Whether you’re using fresh or frozen spinach, cream cheese or parmesan, there are countless ways to make creamed spinach your own. So go ahead, give one of our recipes a try, and experience the decadent flavor of creamed spinach for yourself! (Keep keywords: creamed spinach, frozen spinach, cream cheese, creamy sauce)

Make This Recipe

If you make this easy creamed spinach recipe, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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