This Vegan Creamed Spinach is a healthy, creamy delight that works well with any meal, offering all the flavors and richness of traditional creamed spinach without dairy. The cashew-based sauce adds a luscious texture while fresh spinach keeps it light and nutritious. Perfect for vegans or anyone looking for a wholesome, plant-based dish!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Soak Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 88 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat milk (or unsweetened nut milk)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews
- 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 1/2 pounds fresh spinach (4 to 5 bunches, large stems discarded)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced shallot
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
Special Equipment:
- Blender
Directions:
- Soak the Cashews:
In a small bowl, soak the cashews in the oat milk and water for at least 1 hour (or up to 12 hours, refrigerated). - Make the Sauce:
Blend the soaked cashews with the soaking liquid, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg until smooth. - Wilt the Spinach:
Wash the spinach and drain. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, wilt half the spinach, turning with tongs, for 1–2 minutes. Repeat with the remaining spinach. - Squeeze and Chop the Spinach:
When cool, squeeze the spinach to remove excess liquid, then roughly chop it. - Sauté Shallots, Garlic, and Spinach:
Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the shallots until tender (about 5 minutes), add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped spinach. - Add the Sauce:
Pour the cashew cream sauce over the spinach and stir well. Adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or salt to taste. Serve warm.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Protein: High from spinach and cashews
- Vitamins: A, C, K, iron, and calcium-rich
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creamy and satisfying without any dairy
- Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and protein
- Easy to make and pairs well with various main courses
Conclusion:
This Vegan Creamed Spinach is a rich and wholesome side dish that adds a flavorful, creamy boost to any meal. With the richness of cashews and the bright taste of fresh spinach, it’s a must-try recipe that’s perfect for everyone—vegan or not!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach? Yes, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the recipe.
- What can I use instead of cashews for the cream sauce? If you’re allergic to cashews or prefer another option, you can use blanched almonds or silken tofu as a substitute. You may need to adjust the liquid for a smooth consistency.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the Vegan Creamed Spinach up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- Is it possible to make this dish nut-free? Yes, to make the recipe nut-free, use sunflower seeds instead of cashews, and opt for oat milk or soy milk instead of nut milk.
- Can I freeze Vegan Creamed Spinach? While fresh creamed spinach is best, you can freeze leftovers. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.
- How do I avoid a watery texture? Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid from the spinach as possible after wilting it. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Can I use baby spinach instead of regular spinach? Yes, baby spinach works perfectly and may be more tender. You can follow the recipe as is, without trimming the stems.
- How can I adjust the flavor if it’s too bland? Add more lemon juice, salt, or even a dash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also boost the taste.
- What are some good main dishes to pair with Vegan Creamed Spinach? This dish pairs well with grilled tofu, roasted vegetables, or a grain like quinoa or brown rice. It can also be served alongside plant-based proteins like tempeh or seitan.
- Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Yes, you can add mushrooms, sautéed onions, or even roasted garlic to enhance the flavor and texture of the creamed spinach.