Jamie Oliver Creamed Spinach Recipe

I remember the first time I tried creamed spinach. It was at a cozy bistro on a rainy day, and I was craving something comforting. When the dish arrived, it was love at first bite. Creamy, velvety spinach that seemed to melt in my mouth. I immediately thought, "I need to learn how to make this at home."

One of the best things I’ve found is that Jamie Oliver’s creamed spinach recipe has that same comforting effect. Simple, fresh ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen, combined in a way that makes each bite feel indulgent.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this dish, from the ingredients to the science behind it, and even how to put your own spin on it.

Jamie Oliver’s Creamed Spinach Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s creamed spinach recipe is one of those dishes that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s packed with flavor and has that perfect creamy consistency without feeling too heavy. His version uses a few key ingredients that make the spinach the star, without overwhelming it.

I remember watching one of his cooking shows where he effortlessly whipped up this recipe, explaining how to make the most of each ingredient. His method gave me the confidence to try it myself at home, and it quickly became one of my go-to side dishes.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make Jamie Oliver’s creamed spinach:

• Spinach (fresh) – About 600g (around 3 large bunches or 2 bags of baby spinach)
• Butter – 2 tablespoons (for that rich flavor)
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (adds a light, smooth texture)
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced (the foundation of flavor)
• Cream – 200ml (a rich double cream or heavy cream works best)
• Parmesan cheese – A small handful, grated (for that umami kick)
• Nutmeg – A pinch (just a touch to enhance the creaminess)
• Sea salt and pepper – To taste (for balance)

These ingredients are simple but the flavor combination is what really makes this dish shine.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Creamed Spinach

Here’s how you can bring this beautiful dish to life:

1. Prep The Spinach

   Start by washing your spinach thoroughly. If you’re using regular spinach, remove the thick stems, but if you’ve got baby spinach, you can leave them on. Spinach wilts quickly when cooked, so you’ll need quite a bit to make a generous serving.

2. Cook The Spinach

   In a large pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant.

3. Wilt The Spinach

   Add the spinach in batches. Stir until it wilts and reduces in volume. This will only take a few minutes. You want to make sure it’s nicely cooked down but not soggy.

4. Add Cream And Parmesan

   Once the spinach has wilted, pour in the cream and stir in the parmesan. Keep cooking on low heat, letting the flavors meld together.

5. Season And Finish

   Add a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

6. Serve

   Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and serve immediately. It’s a perfect side for just about any meal.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

It’s fascinating how the combination of simple ingredients can create something so comforting. Let’s break down the science behind some of the key ingredients:

• Spinach: Rich in vitamins A and K, spinach is known for its high iron content. When cooked, spinach releases oxalates, which can bind to the iron and make it harder to absorb. However, pairing spinach with dairy (like cream or cheese) helps your body absorb more of that iron because calcium can block the absorption of oxalates.
• Butter and Olive Oil: The fat content in butter helps carry the flavor of the garlic and the spinach, while olive oil adds a lightness to balance it out. Both fats also make the creaminess of the dish feel more indulgent without making it feel too heavy.
• Nutmeg: It’s not just for pies! Nutmeg is actually a great complement to dairy-based dishes like this. It enhances the natural sweetness of the cream, making the spinach taste even richer.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Spinach wilts down quickly and you don’t want it to turn mushy. Just cook it long enough to release its water and shrink down.
• Use Fresh Cream: For a rich, luxurious texture, go for heavy cream or double cream. It makes all the difference in achieving that velvety finish.
• Add Garlic at the Right Time: Garlic burns easily, so be sure to add it early in the cooking process but don’t let it brown. You want it fragrant, not bitter.
• Season in Layers: Taste the spinach as you go and adjust the seasoning gradually. Adding salt, pepper, and nutmeg slowly allows you to control the balance.

Recipe Variations

There are endless ways you can play around with Jamie Oliver’s creamed spinach recipe. Here are a few fun variations:

• Add Bacon: Crisp up some bacon and crumble it on top for a smoky twist.
• Swap Spinach for Kale: If you’re in the mood for something with more bite, kale is a great alternative to spinach.
• Cheese Variations: Swap parmesan for other hard cheeses like pecorino or gruyère for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Spinach: For some heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Make it Vegan: Use coconut cream and a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s creamed spinach recipe is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something rich and comforting. Whether you’re having it as a side dish for a weeknight meal or serving it at a special dinner, it’s always a hit.

You don’t need to be an expert chef to make it. With just a few ingredients and some careful attention, you’ll have a delicious, creamy side that everyone will love.

FAQs

How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Creamed Spinach?

To make Jamie Oliver’s creamed spinach, sauté spinach in butter with garlic, then add cream and Parmesan. Season to taste and cook until creamy.

Can I Use Frozen Spinach For Jamie Oliver’s Creamed Spinach Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the recipe.

How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Creamed Spinach Dairy-free?

You can replace the cream and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and olive oil to make it dairy-free.