Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 4 6-ounce bags baby spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 dried small red chile, such as Japones or de árbol
• 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup whipping cream

Instructions

1. Bring 1/4 cup water to boil in large pot. Add half of spinach to pot; toss until wilted but still bright green, about 3 minutes. Add remaining spinach and toss until just wilted. Transfer spinach to strainer set over large bowl. Press on spinach to release all liquid. Transfer spinach to work surface; coarsely chop. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
2. Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, bay leaf, dried chile, and peppercorns; sauté until onion is soft but not brown, about 3 minutes. Whisk in flour and salt. Cook until mixture is pale gold and has nutty aroma, whisking constantly, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Boil until thick, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Strain béchamel sauce into medium bowl.
3. Heat cream in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Add béchamel; whisk until mixture is smooth and begins to simmer. Add spinach and stir until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.