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Parmesan-Lemon Spinach

A light cream sauce enhanced with Parmesan cheese coats fresh spinach in this side dish. Try it with pork chops, fish fillets, or turkey cutlets.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4; 1/2 cup per serving

Ingredients

1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
2 tablespoons shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium shallots, finely chopped
1/4 cup Chicken Broth (page 50) or commercial fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt-free all-purpose seasoning blend
1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
8 ounces spinach (about 8 cups)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, Parmesan, and flour until smooth. Set aside.

    Step 2

    In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the shallots for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.

    Step 3

    Stir in the broth, lemon zest, seasoning blend, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute, or until the mixture is heated through, stirring occasionally.

    Step 4

    Add the spinach, tossing with two spoons to lightly coat with the broth mixture. Bring to a simmer, covered, over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the spinach is slightly wilted, stirring occasionally. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the spinach is completely wilted and tender, stirring occasionally.

    Step 5

    Stir the reserved half-and-half mixture into the spinach mixture. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

  2. Nutrition information

    Step 6

    (Per serving)

    Step 7

    Calories: 71

    Step 8

    Total fat: 2.0g

    Step 9

    Saturated: 0.5g

    Step 10

    Trans: 0.0g

    Step 11

    Polyunsaturated: 0.0g

    Step 12

    Monounsaturated: 1.0g

    Step 13

    Cholesterol: 2mg

    Step 14

    Sodium: 120mg

    Step 15

    Carbohydrates: 10g

    Step 16

    Fiber: 2g

    Step 17

    Sugars: 3g

    Step 18

    Protein: 5g

    Step 19

    Calcium: 133mg

    Step 20

    Potassium: 356mg

  3. Dietary Exchanges

    Step 21

    1/2 starch

    Step 22

    1/2 fat

American Heart Association Low-Salt Cookbook, 4th Edition
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