Ingredients
6 Tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 bay leaf
1 whole clove
2 cups whole milk
2 boxes frozen chopped spinach (approx 20 ounces)
Preparation
–Cook spinach in large pot of boiling water just until wilted and tender, about 2 minutes. (This can be done in microwave too.) Drain well. Roll spinach in several paper towels, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. Set aside. –Melt 4 tablespoons butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. (Set 2 remaining tablespoons butter aside. )Add flour and stir until light golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in onion, bay leaf and clove. Gradually whisk in milk. Whisk until mixture boils and thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes longer, whisking frequently (sauce will be very thick). Discard bay leaf and clove. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover;chill. Before proceeding, rewarm over med-low heat, whisking often.) – Add spinach to warm sauce; simmer over low heat until spinach is heated through, stirring often, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
