This Creamed Spinach Is One Of The Best In New York City, And It Doesn’t Even Contain Cream

Going to a steakhouse is often not just about the steak. The steak may be the centerpiece of the table, but that table is filled with cocktails, appetizers, and side dishes that all pull the meal together.

During the pandemic, I wasn’t eating out for a rather extended stretch of time. I often dreamed about that first night out once I did re-enter the world, though. That recurring fantasy had a pretty consistent theme. In my dream, I always started a meal with a perfectly chilled martini and a plate of equally cold shucked oysters. I then would enjoy a beautiful steak. But also present in that dream were those rich and hearty sides that make the steak feel extra special. Top of mind? Creamed spinach.

Of course, cream can be too heavy for many people, and it can also be problematic for anyone with dairy sensitivities. So, when I recently discovered there’s a legendary steakhouse in New York City that has creamed spinach on their menu that somehow does not include cream, but still tastes just as delicious and creamy, I was intrigued.

The Benjamin Steakhouse’s Creamless Creamed Spinach includes chopped spinach, a chicken base, salt, white pepper, and a secret ingredient. But what it doesn’t contain is any cream!

While it may be without cream, it’s not without quite a fanbase. “Our creamed spinach is our most popular side dish!” said Benjamin Prelvukaj, one of the owners of Benjamin Steakhouse, located at 52 East 41st Street in New York City. “It creates a perfect balance with our steak. The spinach is so lightweight that it pairs well with a thick cut of steak,” said Prelvukaj.

While I couldn’t get the team to share what the secret ingredient is that makes this creamless creamed spinach so creamy, I was assured that it is indeed creamless. And that’s really appealing to hear when you are craving the flavor and texture of a creamed spinach without the unnecessary heavy richness if you are already eating plates laden with steak and starchy sides like their creamy mashed potatoes or decadent lobster mac and cheese. “We knew that adding cream to our spinach would be too heavy for most of our customers, especially when you’re eating it with our steaks. We wanted to find a way to incorporate the texture of creamed spinach without adding cream. Our secret ingredient is what makes our spinach stand out and creates a perfect pairing with the rest of our entrees,” said Prelvukaj.

“We think it’s essential to cater to all customers and not just meat eaters,” said Prelvukaj of the menu, which offers many salad, vegetable, and seafood options. But for all of us carnivores out there, don’t worry – you are still very much represented! It is a steakhouse, after all.