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Béchamel Sauce or Besciamella

Béchamel sauce – Besciamella in Italian, is one of the mother sauces of French cuisine; often used as the base for other sauces such as Mornay sauce. The Italians, particularly in the northern regions, also use this sauce. This creamy sauce is popular in many lasagne recipes.

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • salt
  • freshly ground white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Heat the butter in a sauce pan over medium-low heat until melted. Add the flour and stir until smooth. Turn up the heat to medium and cook the flour until the mixture turns a light, golden sandy color, about 6 to 7 minutes. This will prevent the sauce from having a raw flour taste.

    Meanwhile, heat the milk in a separate pan until almost to a boil. Slowly add the hot milk to the butter mixture 1 cup at a time, whisking with a wire whisk continuously until very smooth. Quick, continuous whisking will prevent lumps. Bring to a boil. Cook 10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, then remove from heat. Season with salt and nutmeg, and keep warm until ready to use.

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