Creamed Spinach and Parsnips

Serves 12

Preparation time: 40 minutes

This luscuious side dish can be prepared up to three days ahead.  The duo of sweet parsnip and creamy spinach is unbeatable.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 lbs small parsnips, cut into 3/4" pieces
2 large shallots, thinly sliced
1 cup turkey stock or canned low-sodium broth
1 teaspoon chopped thyme
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/4 lbs baby spinach (20 cups)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a large, deep skillet, melt 2 tablesppons of the butter in the oil.  Add the parsnips and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occassionally, until lightly browned, about 6 minutes.  Add the shallots and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes.  Add the stock and thyme and bring to a boil.  Season with salt and pepper, cover and simmer over low heat until the parsnips are tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, fill a large, deep pot with 2" of water and bring to a boil.  Add the spinach in large handfuls and blanch, stirring, just until wilted, about 10 seconds.  Drain and cool under running water.  Squeeze the spinach dry and coarsely chop it.  Stir the spinach into the parsnips.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and cook over moderately high heat until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.  Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, for 1 minute.  Whisk in the half-and-half and nutmeg, season with salt and pepper and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking until thickened, about 2 minutes.  Stir the sauce into the spinach and parsnips and bring to a simmer.  Transfer to a bowl and serve.

Make ahead: The creamed vegetables can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and rewarmed over low heat.  Stir in a little stock if the cream sauce is too thick.

Food & Wine - November 2008, pg. 108