Keto Creamed Spinach with Nutmeg
Classic creamed spinach is usually thickened with a roux, but on keto that step is unnecessary. Cream reduced in the pan thickens on its own, and the spinach releases enough liquid for a silky texture. Per serving: 3 g net carbs, 22 g fat, 6 g protein. Pairs well with fried eggs, schnitzel, salmon, or simply with butter and Parmesan as a light main.
Key facts at a glance
- Prep time: approx. 20 minutes.
- Approx. 3 g net carbs and 22 g fat per serving.
- Ingredients: leaf spinach, cream, butter, garlic, shallot, nutmeg.
- Key tip: reduce the cream instead of making a roux, it thickens on its own.
Ingredients
Serves 3 as a side dish, for example with salmon or scrambled eggs.
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fresh leaf spinach | washed | |||
| washed | ||||
| shallot | finely diced | |||
| finely diced | ||||
| garlic cloves | finely chopped | |||
| finely chopped | ||||
| butter | - | |||
| heavy cream | - | |||
| nutmeg | freshly grated | |||
| freshly grated | ||||
| salt | to taste | |||
| to taste | ||||
| white pepper | to taste | |||
| to taste | ||||
Preparation
-
Prep
approx. 5 minutes600 g fresh leaf spinach washed 1 shallot finely diced 2 clove garlic cloves finely chopped Wash the spinach, chop the shallot and garlic.
-
Reduce the cream
approx. 5 minutes200 ml heavy cream Simmer the cream with shallot and garlic until reduced.
-
Add the spinach
approx. 10 minutesWilt the spinach into the sauce and season to taste.
You did it! Enjoy every delicious bite.
Tips for creamy creamed spinach
- Reduce the cream properly, otherwise the spinach will stay watery.
- Drain the spinach well after washing, or the water will thin the sauce.
- Sweat garlic and shallot only until translucent, do not brown them.
- Grate the nutmeg fresh, pre-ground from a jar is much weaker.
- Use white pepper instead of black for the classic flavor.
Why does creamed spinach not need a roux?
Cream is a fat-rich emulsion. As it simmers, water evaporates, the fat-to-water ratio shifts, and the sauce thickens on its own without any starch. The spinach itself also releases pectins and mucilage that add body. A classic roux made with 20 g flour adds roughly 15 g of extra carbs per serving, something you skip entirely on keto.
Source: USDA FoodData Central - Spinach, raw , USDA FoodData Central - Cream, heavy whipping
How can I vary the creamed spinach?
With cream cheese: stir 50 g cream cheese into the finished spinach for a thicker, cheesier result that pairs nicely with salmon. With Parmesan: 30 g grated Parmesan or Gruyere adds more depth and a subtle salty note. With more garlic: use four cloves instead of two for a Mediterranean character. With frozen spinach: also works, slightly less flavorful. Use 450 g thawed and well squeezed, stir in at the end and simmer 2 more minutes. As a main course: place two fried eggs or a poached egg into the hot creamed spinach for instant spinach Florentine.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per serving | Keto rating |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 250 kcal | Moderate. |
| Moderate. | ||
| Fat | approx. 22 g | From cream and butter. |
| From cream and butter. | ||
| Net carbs | approx. 3 g | Very low. |
| Very low. | ||
| Protein | approx. 6 g | From spinach and cream. |
| From spinach and cream. | ||
| Fiber | approx. 3 g | Moderate. |
| Moderate. | ||
| Salt | approx. 1.0 g | To taste. |
| To taste. | ||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Fresh or frozen spinach?
Fresh leaf spinach has more flavor and better texture, but takes up about six times the volume. Frozen leaf spinach (whole leaf, not chopped) is convenient and available year-round, just thaw and squeeze out thoroughly.
Can creamed spinach be frozen?
Yes. Portion into freezer bags and it keeps for 3 months. To reheat, warm slowly in a pan and stir in a splash of fresh cream if it looks slightly split.
Which main dishes go well with it?
Classics include fried or scrambled eggs, pan-seared salmon, Wiener schnitzel, or roast veal. Especially good on keto: grilled steak or a poached egg with a little Parmesan.
Does creamed spinach fit a keto weight-loss plan?
As a side, yes. It brings 3 g of net carbs and a lot of volume for 250 kcal. Because the cream does most of the work, halving it and finishing with a little butter keeps the texture while cutting the calories noticeably.