Bechamel sauce or the white sauce
At least once in your life, I bet you'll come across a recipe calling for Bechamel sauce or white sauce. It's especially essential to have a good Bechamel sauce for a delicious Lasagna. Here are the top reasons why you should make this recipe:
- a versatile sauce that needs four essential ingredients: flour, milk, butter, and nutmeg
- you can make it up to three days ahead and store it in the fridge
- perfect for dishes like Lasagna, Moussaka, Mac and Cheese, Pot pies
- no electric mixers are needed for this recipe
- vegetarian-friendly
Tips and tricks on how to always make a great Bechamel sauce
This is how you make sure your Bechamel sauce is always perfect:
- Don't use cold milk; it's best to use this sauce at room temperature.
- Gradually add the milk, first about the third; then, when you have a combined, smooth mixture without any lumps, gradually add the rest.
- Slowly cook the flour to prevent it from browning, but it still needs to cook.
- Whisk the bechamel constantly, using a whisk at the bottom and sides. Make a circular motion with your whisk to form the number eight.
- When the sauce is cooked, immediately cover it with cling film to the touch to prevent the skin from forming on top.
- Always use whole nutmeg for the most flavor.
Storing
You can keep the cooked Bechamel sauce in a sealed airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before using, reheat well, but whisk regularly to prevent lumps from forming.
We don't recommend freezing, as the texture won't stay the same.
Next, try these homemade sauces
METHOD
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cook the flour and butter
Add butter to a saucepan and place over low heat. When the butter melts, add flour and cook, regularly stirring, for 5 - 6 minutes. The flour shouldn't become brown.
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Bechamel sauce
Gradually start pouring in the milk. While constantly stirring with a whisk, add 250ml (1 cup) of milk and cook for the mixture to thicken. Then, continue stirring and adding the rest of the milk until incorporated. Season with salt, bay leaf, and nutmeg. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring regularly. Remove from the heat and use in your favorite dish.
