I remember the first time I tried making creamed spinach. I was in my early twenties and had just started experimenting in the kitchen. I had always been a fan of spinach, but had never truly explored the magic of creamy, rich textures until I found Jamie Oliver’s creamed spinach recipe. I was hooked immediately.
This dish is a perfect balance between healthy greens and indulgent creaminess. It’s rich but not overpowering. The spinach still shines through, with just enough creaminess to make it feel like a real treat.
Jamie Oliver’s creamed spinach recipe was a game-changer for me. It opened up a world of flavor possibilities and became my go-to side dish for everything from holiday dinners to casual weeknight meals. So let’s break down this recipe, explore its ingredients, and dive into the details of what makes this creamed spinach so special.
Jamie Oliver’s Creamed Spinach Recipe
Jamie’s creamed spinach is straightforward and simple but packed with flavor. What makes it stand out is how he uses fresh, whole ingredients to let the spinach truly shine. There’s no overcomplication, just a few key ingredients brought together in perfect harmony.
The first time I made this, I didn’t know what to expect. But the moment that spinach hit the pan with butter and cream, I knew I was in for something special. The creaminess envelops the greens, creating a smooth, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with rich meats or as a side for almost anything. You can even eat it alone with some crusty bread. It’s that versatile.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s break down the ingredients, because they are what truly make this recipe stand out:
- Fresh spinach – You want to use fresh spinach for this, no frozen stuff. The fresh leaves add a lot of volume and texture that frozen spinach just can’t match.
- Butter – A rich fat like butter gives the dish that luxurious, velvety base. You could use oil, but butter just brings more flavor and depth.
- Garlic – Jamie doesn’t go overboard with garlic, but just enough to give the spinach a mild savory edge. It’s not overpowering, but rather complementary.
- Double cream – This is the creamy magic that turns spinach into something indulgent. Double cream has a high fat content, giving the dish richness without being too thick or heavy.
- Nutmeg – A small pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and a subtle spice that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Sea salt and pepper – The final seasoning to elevate everything.
These simple ingredients come together to create something so much more than the sum of their parts.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Creamed Spinach
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s how I make it:
- Prep the spinach – Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly. Spinach holds onto a lot of dirt, so take the time to rinse and drain it properly.
- Cook the spinach – In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of butter. Add the spinach in batches, stirring as it wilts down. It might look like a mountain at first, but it will shrink down quickly.
- Garlic and butter – Once all the spinach has wilted, add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in finely chopped garlic and sauté for a minute or so until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add cream and seasoning – Pour in the double cream, stirring to combine. Add a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it all simmer on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the cream thickens slightly.
- Serve – Once everything is nicely combined and creamy, serve it hot. This dish is best enjoyed right away while it’s fresh and warm.
It’s that easy. Trust me, you don’t need to overcomplicate it. The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes it shine.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s talk about the ingredients for a moment. There’s some serious food science at play here.
- Spinach – Fresh spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and vitamin K. The antioxidants found in spinach help support your immune system and fight inflammation. Cooking spinach actually makes certain nutrients more bioavailable, so even though it’s cooked, you’re still getting a nutritional punch.
- Double cream – The cream is the key to the richness of the dish. Double cream is essentially the thickened cream that rises to the top when milk is left to stand. It has a higher fat content, which gives it that luxurious mouthfeel. The fat in the cream also helps to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins from the spinach, like vitamin A.
- Nutmeg – While nutmeg adds flavor, it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A small pinch can really elevate the dish, adding a layer of complexity.
The interaction of these ingredients is what makes the recipe work. The cream binds the flavors, the spinach offers a savory base, and the nutmeg adds that final, subtle warmth.
Expert Tips
If you want to level up your creamed spinach, here are some tips that have worked wonders for me:
- Don’t overcook the spinach – The spinach cooks down quickly. If you overcook it, it can turn mushy and lose its vibrant green color.
- Add cheese for extra richness – Try stirring in a handful of grated parmesan or feta cheese right before serving. It adds an extra layer of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
- Balance the cream with lemon – A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can help cut through the richness and bring some brightness to the dish.
- Make it ahead – You can make this dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready. Just be careful not to overheat it, or the cream can break.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s original recipe is fantastic on its own, there are a few fun variations you can try:
- Vegan version – Use coconut milk or a rich almond cream to replace the double cream, and swap butter for a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a cheesy flavor.
- Spicy twist – Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced fresh chili for some heat.
- Cheese lover’s spin – For a richer dish, stir in cream cheese or mascarpone along with the double cream.
- Garlic and shallots – Swap garlic for shallots for a milder, sweeter onion flavor.
Each of these variations offers a new way to enjoy this creamed spinach, depending on your mood or dietary preferences.
Final Words
If you’re looking for a quick, comforting side dish that packs a lot of flavors, Jamie Oliver’s creamed spinach is your go-to recipe. It’s creamy, rich, and indulgent without being too heavy. The fresh spinach gives it a bright, earthy flavor, and the creaminess wraps it all together.
The best part? It’s easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. No complicated techniques, just good, wholesome food.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Creamed Spinach?
Start by sautéing garlic and onions in butter. Then add the spinach and cook until wilted. Add cream, season with nutmeg and salt, and cook until thickened.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead Of Fresh For Jamie Oliver’s Creamed Spinach?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before adding it to the pan.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Creamed Spinach Vegan?
Substitute the butter with olive oil and the cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond cream.