White sauce, also known as Bechamel sauce, is a classic culinary staple that adds richness and creaminess to a wide variety of dishes. Originating in 17th-century French cuisine, this versatile sauce is widely used in both professional and home kitchens for its ability to enhance the flavors of meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and pasta. With its smooth, velvety texture and subtle yet distinct taste, white sauce has become an integral part of numerous international cuisines. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced chef, mastering the art of preparing a basic white sauce will open up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to elevate your dishes to the next level.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
WHITE SAUCE OR BECHAMEL SAUCE
This used to be one of the first lessons in home economics classes; invariably white and pasty, it coated many a bland dish. When well made, however, it has a proper place in homey, creamed dishes, often making leftovers stretch or giving cooked foods new life. And it is important as a base for soufflés. The French term for this medium-thick white sauce is béchamel. The foolproof way to attain a perfectly smooth sauce is to have the milk hot when added to the butter and flour. It uses an extra pot, but as you become more proficient, this cautionary measure may not be necessary.
Provided by Marion Cunningham
Categories Sauce Milk/Cream Quick & Easy
Yield Makes about 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste cooks and bubbles a bit, but don't let it brown - about 2 minutes. Add the hot milk, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens. Bring it to a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste, lower the heat, and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from the heat. To cool this sauce for later use, cover it with wax paper or pour a film of milk over it to prevent a skin from forming.
- Cheese Sauce.
- Stir in 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking, along with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- How hot should the milk be?
- Warm the milk on low heat just until little bubbles begin to form at the edges. Then remove from heat.
WHITE SAUCE
This white sauce, also known as Béchamel sauce, is one of France's four "mother sauces," and it's a perfect complement to many dishes. Pair it with vegetables, turn it into a creamy casserole or ladle it over seafood or sliced chicken.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Condiment
Time 10m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In 1 1/2-quart saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat.
- Gradually stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 25, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 tablespoon, Sodium 55 mg, Sugar 0 g, TransFat 0 g
CLASSIC BECHAMEL: WHITE SAUCE
Provided by Tyler Florence
Time 25m
Yield 2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and 1 bay leaf to a gentle simmer, stirring so it doesn't scorch the bottom of the pan. Keep the milk on low heat.
- Make a white roux by melting butter over low-medium heat in a thick-bottomed saucepan. Just as the foam subsides, add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent lumps. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to coat the flour and remove the starchy taste. Do not allow to brown. Remove from heat, then gradually add a bit of the warm milk to the roux and whisk vigorously. Return the saucepan to the heat and bring up to a low simmer, continuing to add more milk and whisk. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Check seasoning; add salt, white pepper, garlic and the remaining bay leaf.
- To prevent a skin from forming as the sauce cools, lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface.
- Serve with fish, shellfish, vegetables or egg dishes.
BASIC BECHAMEL SAUCE
This is a quick and easy bechamel sauce.
Provided by MATHIEUDAIGLE
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes Creamy
Time 40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour until smooth. Continue stirring as the flour cooks to a light, golden, sandy color, about 7 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-high and slowly whisk in milk until thickened by the roux. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering until the flour has softened and not longer tastes gritty, 10 to 20 minutes, then season with salt and nutmeg.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 139.3 calories, Carbohydrate 8.7 g, Cholesterol 28.8 mg, Fat 9.7 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 4.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.1 g, Sodium 682.6 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
BASIC MEDIUM BéCHAMEL SAUCE WITH VARIATIONS
Basic Béchamel sauce recipe-also known as white sauce-with several variations. Variations include Mornay, velouté, herb sauce, and more.
Provided by Diana Rattray
Categories Sauce
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Melt butter in a saucepan or saucier over medium heat. Add flour and stir until mixture is well blended. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
- Gradually stir in hot milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sauce begins to boil and thickens.
- Simmer, stirring frequently, over very low heat for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and add a little nutmeg, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 64 kcal, Carbohydrate 4 g, Cholesterol 13 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 117 mg, Sugar 2 g, Fat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Cup (4 to 6 Servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
BASIC WHITE SAUCE
For years, I've used this smooth white cream sauce for pasta to make many dishes. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. -Lois Gelzer, Standish, Maine
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 10m
Yield 1 cup.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Use immediately or refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 51 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 81mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
BECHAMEL - BASIC WHITE SAUCE
Make and share this Bechamel - Basic White Sauce recipe from Food.com.
Provided by kiwidutch
Categories Sauces
Time 25m
Yield 2 cups, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Scald the milk with the onion, bay leaf and peppercorns.
- Cover and let infuse off heat for 10-15 minutes.
- In a heavy based saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour and cook, stirring, until the flour is foaming but not browned- about 1 minute.
- Off heat, strain in the hot milk.
- Whisk well, then bring to a boil, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and leave to simmer slowly for 1-2 minutes.
- NOTE: This make what is called a "MEDIUM" Bechamel.
- For a "THIN" Bechamel use 2 tbs. butter and 2 tbs. flour.
- For a "THICK" Bechamel use 4 tbs. butter and 4 tbs. flour.
BECHAMEL SAUCE
This French sauce (one of the so-called 5 Mother Sauces) is made from butter, milk, flour and salt. It's the base for a range of homey, comforting recipes, such as Creamed Spinach and Roasted Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce, and is a versatile, essential sauce that's easy to master.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Quick & Easy Recipes
Time 30m
Yield Makes 4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium. Add onion and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add flour and salt; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is pale golden, has a slightly nutty aroma, and is the texture of cooked oatmeal, about 5 minutes.
- Whisking constantly, pour in 2 cups milk; add 2 more cups milk and whisk until smooth. Cook mixture, stirring constantly along the bottom of pan, until boiling, about 7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and does not feel grainy when a very small amount is rubbed between two fingers, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 63 g, Fat 4 g, Protein 2 g
BASIC WHITE SAUCE/BECHAMEL SAUCE
This white sauce can be used in so many different ways. Add Cheese,Curry Powder,Dill,or Horseradish Add canned Tuna,Ham,Hamburger,Sausage. Lots of things can be done with this sauce.
Provided by Braunda
Categories Sauces
Time 20m
Yield 1 Cup
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Melt butter in saucepan over low heat until it bubbles up. Blend in flour. This is the roux.
- In another pan, warm the milk. Infuse with flavours, if desired.
- Strain milk into the roux, combine and bring to boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
- Adjust taste by adding salt and pepper. Strain.
Tips:
- Use cold milk or cream: This will help to prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Whisk constantly: This will help to prevent the sauce from scorching and ensure smooth consistency.
- Cook over medium heat: This will help to prevent the sauce from burning.
- Season to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.
- Use a roux: A roux is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour. It is used to thicken the sauce and add richness.
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature: This will help to ensure that the sauce comes together smoothly.
- Don't boil the sauce: Boiling will cause the sauce to curdle.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This will help to prevent the sauce from scorching.
- Serve the sauce immediately: Bechamel sauce is best served fresh.
Conclusion:
Bechamel sauce is a classic French sauce that is used in a variety of dishes, from lasagna to macaroni and cheese. It is a simple sauce to make, but it can be tricky to get right. By following these tips, you can make a perfect bechamel sauce every time. Bechamel sauce is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as a base for other sauces, such as cheese sauce or mushroom sauce. It can also be used as a topping for vegetables, meat, or fish. Bechamel sauce is a delicious and easy way to add flavor and richness to your meals.
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