Creamed Spinach

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• STAFF-FAVORITE
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 3 pounds fresh spinach, large stems discarded
2. 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
3. 1 medium shallot, minced
4. 1 cup heavy cream
5. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6. 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
7. 1/4 cup water
8. Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Heat a large saucepan. Add the spinach by the handful and cook over moderately high heat, stirring often, until wilted, about 5 minutes. Transfer the spinach to a colander and squeeze it as dry as possible. Chop the spinach.
2. Heat the oil in the saucepan. Add the shallot and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the cream; cook until reduced by half, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the butter and swirl to incorporate. Stir in the Parmesan and cook over low heat for 2 minutes. Add the spinach and water, season with salt and pepper and cook over low heat until the spinach is coated with the thickened sauce, about 5 minutes. Serve hot.