Weeknight Creamed Spinach

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Pick over the spinach to remove and discard any tough stems or blemished leaves. Rinse well and drain.

2. Step 2

   Bring water to the boil and add the spinach. Let cook 2 minutes and drain, pressing or squeezing to extract as much liquid as possible from the leaves.

3. Step 3

   Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a saucepan and add the flour, stirring with a wire whisk. When blended add the milk, stirring vigorously with the whisk. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is thickened and smooth. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg and cayenne pepper.

4. Step 4

   Put the spinach into the container of a food processor and blend thoroughly, stirring down as necessary. There should be about 1 cup.

5. Step 5

   Put the spinach in the sauce and stir to blend. Bring to the simmer and swirl in the remaining tablespoon butter.