Easy 3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach Recipe| 100% Vegan

This 3 ingredient creamed spinach recipe is easy to make and tasty as well. It serves as a side dish which can be paired with a variety of main dishes.

This vegan creamed spinach recipe goes beyond the ordinary steamed spinach recipe. It is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and diary-free.

To make this simple recipe, you require fresh spinach leaves or spinach sprouts, garlic and coconut milk. Optionally, you may add permesan cheese, salt and pepper for additional flavours.

I love this creamed spinach recipe because it is easy to make and taste as well. It also has many variations as discussed below.

What are the health benefits of spinach?

Nutrient-dense

Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K1, folate (vitamin B9), iron, calcium, and potassium. These nutrients play crucial roles in various bodily functions, such as immune support, bone health, and blood clotting.

Antioxidants

It’s a fantastic source of antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, and flavonoids. These compounds help protect the body from oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting eye health.

Heart Health

The nitrates in spinach are beneficial for heart health. They can help relax blood vessels, potentially lowering blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular function.

Cancer Prevention

Spinach contains various bioactive compounds that have been studied for their potential anti-cancer properties. These compounds may help in fighting and preventing certain types of cancers due to their ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

Blood Pressure Management

The high potassium content in spinach, coupled with its low sodium content, contributes to regulating blood pressure levels.

Digestive Health

Spinach is a good source of fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Bone Health

Vitamin K1 found in spinach is essential for bone health and may help in preventing osteoporosis.

Eye Health

Lutein and zeaxanthin in spinach are known to accumulate in the retina, potentially reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

How to prepare creamed spinach

Prep and Wash Spinach Thoroughly: Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Trim the stems if necessary. Blanching the spinach in boiling water for a minute and then shocking it in an ice bath helps retain its vibrant green color and prevents overcooking.

Garlic Infusion: Sautéing minced garlic in oil until fragrant adds a robust flavor base to the dish. Ensure the garlic doesn’t brown too much, as it can turn bitter.

Choosing the Right Coconut Milk: Opt for full-fat canned coconut milk for a creamy texture. Shake the can well before using to blend the cream with the water. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk, but note that it might result in a slightly thinner consistency.

Balancing Flavors: Season the creamed spinach with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice for added depth and brightness.

Texture Control: If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the cooked spinach mixture using an immersion blender or transfer it to a food processor. This step is optional and can be done to achieve a creamier texture.

Variation and Customization: Feel free to experiment with different variations by incorporating herbs, spices, or additional ingredients like nutritional yeast, nut butter, or sautéed mushrooms to add depth and complexity to the dish.

Serve and Enjoy: Creamed spinach can be served as a side dish, a topping for baked potatoes, a filling for vegan wraps, or alongside your favorite main course. It’s best served fresh and hot.

Recipe Card

3 Ingredient Creamed Spinach Recipe

Recipe by GladysCourse: Side dishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

37

kcal

Total time

10

minutes

100% vegan 3 ingredient creamed spinach recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh spinach

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup canned coconut milk

• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

Directions

• Blanch the spinach: Boil water in sufuria. Carefully add the spinach leaves and cook for about 1 minute until they wilt. Quickly transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and squeeze out excess water from the spinach. Chop roughly and set aside.
• In a pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil or any preferred cooking oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and slightly golden, for about 1-2 minutes.
• Add the chopped blanched spinach to the pan with the garlic. Stir and cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently to combine with the spinach and garlic. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until the coconut milk thickens and coats the spinach.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
• Remove from heat and serve your creamy vegan spinach. Enjoy this delightful dish as a side or pair it with your favorite main course!

Notes

• Calories in 100g gram of creamed spinach is approximately 37.
• Incorporating spinach into your diet through various dishes, like salads, smoothies, sautés, or as a side dish, can contribute significantly to your overall health and well-being. Its versatility and rich nutritional content make it a fantastic addition to any diet.

3 ingredient creamed spinach variations

Nutritional Yeast Cheesy Spinach

Along with the coconut milk, add a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast to the recipe. Nutritional yeast lends a cheesy flavor without any dairy. It enhances the creaminess and infuses the spinach with a delightful cheesy undertone.

Spiced Creamed Spinach

Infuse the creamed spinach with spices like cumin, paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a subtle kick. Sauté the spices with the garlic before adding the spinach and coconut milk. This variation adds a layer of warmth and depth to the dish.

Herbed Creamed Spinach:

Elevate the flavors by incorporating fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Add the herbs while cooking the garlic to infuse the creamed spinach with aromatic herbaceous notes.

Creamy Spinach with Nut Butter

For a unique twist, stir in a tablespoon of almond butter or cashew butter along with the coconut milk. This addition provides richness and a nutty undertone, elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Mushroom-infused Creamed Spinach

Sauté some finely chopped mushrooms with the garlic before adding the spinach. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs wonderfully with the creamy spinach, creating a hearty variation.