Vegan Creamed Spinach at Willow in NYC

Creamed spinach is an underrated side dish that’s undeniably delectable.The perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with fresh veggies makes for a fantastic bite. No matter your mood, amazing food has the power to uplift your day and brighten your spirit. Now, with help from Willow in NYC, you can feel free to enjoy this classic of vegan creamed spinach without breaking from your cruelty-free lifestyle!

Like all the restaurants in the City Roots Hospitality family, Willow was founded on a simple principle: prove how delicious it can be to indulge in foods that are as good for the planet as they are for the body. In keeping with that mission, the brilliant minds behind the Willow kitchen doors are proud to present another classic dish, revamped to be completely vegan.

Willow in NYC is always ready with the latest tips and tricks for living a plant-based life. To enjoy more innovative classics, check out our menu or place an order for takeout today!

Willow in NYC is always ready with the latest tips and tricks for living a plant-based life. To enjoy more innovative classics, check out our menu or place an order for takeout today!

Vegan Creamed Spinach Recipe

Whether you’ve been celebrating a vegan lifestyle for years, are just dipping your toes in the water, or are an omnivore looking for healthy dining options to fit into your routine, look no further than this vegan creamed spinach recipe!

This recipe is every bit as easy as it is delicious. Only requiring minutes to prepare, it is a fantastic side, fast appetizer, or quick snack for a game night.

Looking for a tasty new dip? Break out your favorite chips and dig in! Hoping for a new way to introduce some veggies into the kids’ diets? They are bound to love the “cheesy” flavors of this healthy take on the classic.

Without further ado, hit up the grocery store, break out the utensils, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

1 cup of water 1/2 cup of vegetable broth 1 packet of French onion soup mix 3 1/2 pounds of fresh spinach 1/2 cup of oat milk	1/2 cup of vegan cream cheese 2 cloves of garlic 1/2 a red onion Vegan parmesan (for sprinkling) Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

Begin by preparing the vegetables. Carefully mince the garlic, and then cut the red onion into long, thin slivers.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium-high. Once the oil reaches the optimal temperature, begin sauteeing your onions. Though the sweet flavor of red onions pairs well with this dish, the higher sugar content also makes them faster to burn. Stir constantly and keep a close eye, lowering the heat if necessary. After a few minutes, add the garlic.
Once the garlic and onions are soft and highly fragrant, add the water and vegetable stock. Allow them to come to a simmer.
Add the spinach. For a more easily eaten dish, tear the leaves with your hands as you add them to the pan. Stir gently for around five minutes, and reduce the heat to medium-low just before the spinach fully cooks.
Add the oat milk, and stir until it is fully integrated into the spinach.
While the milk heats, cut the vegan cream cheese into small cubes. Slowly add them to the dish, stirring constantly to ensure it evenly melts.
Add the French onion soup packet for seasoning, and continue stirring.

At this point, your dish is essentially finished! For an optional boost in flavor and appearance, you can transfer this creamed spinach to a glass baking dish and sprinkle it generously with vegan parmesan. Place it in the oven under a broiler until all the excess liquid has reduced and sprinkle the parmesan over the surface.

From here, feel free to customize this dish! Add a few pats of vegan butter for a richer flavor and texture, or exchange the vegan cream cheese with extra oat milk for a lower calorie count.

Vegan Delicacies at Willow

For more inspiration on all the delicious flavors available for a cruelty-free lifestyle, New Yorkers should look no further than the inclusive menu at Willow! Every item available in our restaurant is designed with optimal flavor and freshness in mind, guaranteeing a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Savor such deliciously indulgent options as:

Balsamic flatbread, flavored with vegan “ricotta,” a sprinkling of pistachios, artichokes, dried figs, and crisp, peppery arugula
Our French onion soup, which is slow-cooked to perfection with garlic, red wine, and caramelized onions, then topped with vegan “mozzarella” and roasted to a finish
Panko-crusted cauliflower wings tossed in a choice of BBQ or buffalo sauce and served with a side of vegan blue cheese

Not feeling up to a night out? Our meals are just as good on the go as they are on the plate. Take advantage of our online ordering options and enjoy your meal for either pickup or delivery.