Skip to main content

Spinach Gunge

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This elegant vegetarian side dish transforms fresh spinach into a silky, sophisticated purée with a deep, savoury flavour. By wilting the leaves in butter and blending them with sharp Dijon mustard and tangy crème fraîche, you create a vibrant green accompaniment that feels far more indulgent than a standard bowl of greens. The addition of finely grated hard cheese provides a salty complexity that balances the natural earthiness of the spinach.

Quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free, this creamed spinach is a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire. It pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables for a Sunday lunch or serves as a bright, velvety base for poached eggs or grilled fish. Using a high-speed blender ensures a professional, smooth finish that makes this simple vegetable dish feel truly special.

In this article:

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Spinach Gunge

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

  • 900g fresh spinach, stemmed

  • 1 1/2 cups (lightly packed) grated Pecorino, Parmesan, or Manchego cheese (about 90g )

  • 40g crème fraîche

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to make Spinach Gunge

Back to contents

Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Working in 4 batches, add spinach to pot, tossing to wilt between batches. Stir in cheese, crème fraîche, and mustard. Using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food processor, purée spinach mixture until very smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.