German Creamed Spinach, or Rahmspinat, is a much-loved staple in German households. It's comforting, straightforward, and made from just a handful of ingredients. Typically served with eggs and potatoes, it is a popular mid-week meal that keeps everyone in the family happy.
Rahmspinat was one of the staple dishes I grew up with in Germany. Today, I cooked it for my children, and this is the only way I can get them to eat spinach.
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German-style Spinach
Creamed spinach (Rahmspinat) is so popular in Germany that you can find it in the freezer section of almost any grocery store.
It's a popular quick meal, perfect for busy families or couples who want to enjoy a simple and nutritious dish with minimal effort.
Although frozen versions of this dish are readily available in German supermarkets, that's not the case everywhere around the world. If you're craving a taste of German cuisine or want to recreate a dish you once enjoyed in Germany, this easy, foolproof recipe has you covered. Plus, you can adjust the texture and seasoning to suit your taste.
Ingredients for German Spinach
Here's what you'll need to make this authentic German creamed spinach recipe:
Frozen spinach - Easily available and affordable, frozen spinach is the key to achieving a creamy, smooth consistency. It's packed with nutrients like iron, vitamin C, and magnesium (Source).
Onion - To add subtle sweetness. We'll gently sauté it to mellow out its sharpness and bring out a deeply savory flavor.
Garlic - We'll use just half a clove of garlic to add warmth and flavor without overpowering the spinach.
All-purpose flour - To thicken the mixture and help create that signature creamy, smooth consistency that defines German spinach.
Milk - Gives the dish added moisture and creaminess. It also adds essential nutrients like protein and calcium.
Whipping Cream - This recipe's secret weapon that enhances the smooth and indulgent texture. It also helps balance out the bitterness of spinach and garlic.
Nutmeg - A true classic of German cooking, nutmeg is used in small amounts to add a slightly nutty flavor twist. Opt for freshly grated nutmeg for best results and a more intense aroma.
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Salt and Pepper - Last but not least, salt and pepper will be added to taste to round up the flavors.
How to Make German Spinach
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make an authentic German spinach recipe:
- Defrost the Spinach: Place the frozen spinach in a large bowl and pour boiling water over it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to defrost. Alternatively, you can defrost the spinach in the microwave using the defrost setting.
- Prepare the Aromatics: Peel and finely chop the onion and half of a garlic clove.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, and cook for another minute before deglazing with the milk.
4. Add the Spinach and Cream: Add the defrosted spinach and whipping cream. Bring to a gentle boil for 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper (adjust to taste as needed).
6. Optional Step: If desired, use an immersion blender to purée the spinach before serving.
7. Serve: This dish pairs well with boiled potatoes and scrambled or fried eggs. You can also serve it with fish fingers or as a side dish with roasted meats.
What to serve creamed spinach with
- , scrambled eggs or fried eggs and potato - this is a popular mid-week dish for many people in Germany. Simple larder ingredients that are economical and healthy.
- with pasta - as a popular combination. Rahmspinat makes a great healthy pasta sauce.
- Use for spinach lasagne. Alternate the creamed spinach and a lasagne sheet with your favorite tomato sauce for a vegetarian lasagne.
- with fish - such as salmon or cod. Kids love this creamy spinach with some fish fingers.
FAQ
No, it doesn't. Blanching the spinach helps eliminate the bitter aftertaste and the slightly gritty texture that spinach can sometimes have. This process reduces the oxalic acid content, a compound that can react with saliva to create a bitter flavor.
No, this recipe is not vegan as it contains milk, butter, and whipping cream. However, you can make a vegan version by using plant-based alternatives like oat milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream.
More Spinach Recipes
If you enjoyed this German-style spinach recipe, you might also like my other authentic German recipes featuring spinach such as
Storage
Once cooled, transfer the leftover spinach to an airtight container and refrigerate it right away. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long and consume it within 3 days. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat it in a pan until piping hot, then serve immediately.
I hope you enjoyed this authentic German spinach recipe. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below. And if you tried this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out!
Recipe
German Style Creamed Spinach (Rahmspinat)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (500 g) frozen spinach
- 1 onion
- ½ garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ¼ cups (60 ml) milk
- ¾ cups (180 ml) whipping cream
- nutmeg
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the frozen spinach in a large bowl and pour boiling water over it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to defrost. Alternatively, you can defrost the spinach in the microwave using the defrost setting.1 lb frozen spinach
- Peel and finely chop the onion and half of a garlic clove.1 onion, ½ garlic clove
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent.1 tablespoon flour
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, and cook for another minute before deglazing with the milk.¼ cups milk
- Add the defrosted spinach and whipping cream. Bring to a gentle boil for 2-3 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper (adjust to taste as needed).¾ cups whipping cream, nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste
- If desired, use an immersion blender to purée the spinach before serving.
- This dish pairs well with boiled potatoes and scrambled or fried eggs. You can also serve it with fish fingers or as a side dish with roasted meats.
Video
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Nutrition
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Ann Blanchard says
That is the way I remember how my mother made spinach when I grew up in Germany, I always loved spinach, I like it creamed, not just open a can and heat it, if I could get the recipe, I would attempt to make it, just for me, it looks fairly easy, thank you for sending it to my email..........
Marita Sinden says
You are welcome! You can find the recipe at the end of this post. Best Wishes
Trudy says
Hi Marita, I was born in Germany and my mother made this for us and as you said that is the only way we would eat spinach. I don't think my mother used milk or cream, but I could be wrong. I was wondering if you could tell me the recipe for just one serving please and also is it the same for fresh spinach as I grow my own, I live in Australia. Thank you and I look forward for your response.
Bernie Howe says
Quite a nice combination but I added more beans and some cubed feta cheese which made it even nicer!
Marita says
Hi Bernie, Thanks for you feedback. Adding Feta to this dish is a great idea. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Pascal Otto says
Tastes very good!
Grew up in Germany and this is as close to Rahmspinat as it gets! Very good job Marita.
Marita Sinden says
Thank you Pascal! I am glad you liked it and I could bring back some childhood memories. My kids eat this today still!
Best Wishes
Marita
maria s says
oh yes the flavors sound wonderful ive never had this before
Marita says
Hi Maria! Thanks for stopping by! Yes I never had this combination of flavours before and it made me see spinach in a completely different light x