2004 Quick Creamed Spinach

By boandozzy

One serving (1/2 cup) equals 131 calories, 4 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 12 mg cholesterol, 704 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 10 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 fat-free milk. Originally published as Creamed Spinach in Light & Tasty August/September 2003, p37

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1-1/4 cups fat-free half-and-half
• 4 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 package (16 ounces) frozen leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

Preparation

Step 1

In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually whisk in half-and-half until blended. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Add the cream cheese, salt, nutmeg and pepper, stirring until cream cheese is melted. Stir in spinach and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; heat through. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Yield: 5 servings.