Argh! Spinach!

Ah, spinach, that green leafy vegetable of Popeye fame, renowned for building sailor muscles and giving Popeye a burst of energy when facing Brutus. Cooked spinach is packed with vitamin K, lauded for its potential role in the increase of bone mass. And though Popeye’s can of pure, green energy doesn’t appeal to most babies (or most kids for that matter) – heck, Popeye didn’t even like it, Creamed Spinach is a whole different ballgame! Of course, some babies do love spinach straight up; they will eat it wilted and chopped, without salt or any other seasoning.

Hungry Baby is not one of these babies. But Hungry Baby loves Creamed Spinach! Throw a little milk and cheese into the mix, and that leafy green vegetable is starting to look a little more appealing. Not only to Hungry Baby and her six-year-old sister, but to the whole family!

If baby does not take to spinach right away, try serving it with another vegetable or fruit that appeals to them, such as sweet potato or carrots.

Baby’s Age: 8 months

Consistency: pureed

Creamed Spinach

2 tablespoons olive oil
3-4 large handfuls of fresh, Organic spinach, approximately 8 cups
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup whole milk OR 4/5 cup skim milk with 1/5 cup half and half or heavy cream
pinch of nutmeg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

In a large pot, heat oil. Add spinach and cook until spinach is wilted and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes. Spinach will greatly reduce in volume to approximately 1-2 cups. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.

In a medium pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and very gradually whisk in milk / milk-cream mixture. Season with nutmeg and return pot to medium heat. While whisking constantly, bring mixture to a simmer. Mixture will thicken noticeably when brought to a simmer. Remove pot from heat and stir in Parmesan, then stir in spinach. (Retain some of the spinach cooking liquid for thinning during pureeing.)

Transfer baby’s portion of spinach to a small food processor or food mill, and puree until smooth, adding some of the reserved spinach cooking liquid to thin, as needed. You may want to puree enough for baby’s meal and also freeze a few cubes for later meals.

Creamed Spinach can be made ahead and gently reheated in the microwave. Pass the grated Parmesan at the table for the rest of the family.

Serves a family of three and a hungry baby!

NOTE: Hungry Baby loves the big box of fresh Certified Organic spinach from Sam’s Club; it is organic and much cheaper than fresh spinach at the grocery store!