| Versatile Béchamel Sauce for Pasta and More |
This ultra-creamy homemade béchamel sauce is made with just three... |
sauce, Italian, vegetarian, pasta, easy, beginner, béchamel |
{"title":"Versatile B\u00e9chamel Sauce for Pasta and More","description":"This ultra-creamy homemade b\u00e9chamel sauce is made with just three ingredients: butter, flour, and milk. It is the perfect base for pasta dishes and classic lasagna Bolognese. Ready in 20 minutes, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for future use. This recipe yields about 1 quart of sauce, ideal for a multi-layer lasagna.","short_description":"Creamy b\u00e9chamel sauce, a versatile base for pasta and lasagna, made with three ingredients in 20 minutes.","full_ingredient_list":["80 g unsalted butter","80 g all purpose flour","800 ml whole milk","1\/4 tsp fine sea salt","Pinch of nutmeg (optional)","Parmesan cheese (optional)"],"components":[{"name":"B\u00e9chamel Sauce","ingredients":[{"name":"Unsalted butter","quantity":"80 g","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"All purpose flour","quantity":"80 g","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Whole milk","quantity":"800 ml","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Fine sea salt","quantity":"1\/4 tsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Nutmeg","quantity":"Pinch","preparation_notes":"optional","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Parmesan cheese","quantity":"to taste","preparation_notes":"optional","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["Large skillet or high-sided pot","Wooden spoon","Whisk"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"In a large skillet or high-sided pot, melt the butter over low heat.","tips":"Do not let the butter brown."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and mix well to create a light-colored roux. Stir frequently for 30 seconds to 1 minute.","tips":"Ensure constant stirring to prevent burning."},{"step_number":3,"description":"Remove the pan from the heat and add 1\/2 cup of milk. Whisk thoroughly to break up any lumps.","tips":"Keep whisking until the mixture looks creamy."},{"step_number":4,"description":"Slowly add the rest of the milk while whisking continuously. Return the pan to heat and adjust to medium-low. Cook until the sauce thickens to the consistency of runny sour cream, whisking often.","tips":"Do not leave the sauce unattended to avoid it catching on the pan bottom."},{"step_number":5,"description":"Season with salt to taste and add nutmeg or Parmesan if using.","tips":"Test the sauces thickness by coating the back of a spoon and dragging your finger through it."}]}],"prep_time":"2 minutes","cook_time":"15 minutes","total_time":"17 minutes","servings":"1 quart","tags":["sauce","Italian","vegetarian","pasta","easy","beginner","b\u00e9chamel"],"notes":"The taste of b\u00e9chamel sauce is mild and sweet. Adjust the seasoning according to your use.","background":"B\u00e9chamel sauce originates from France but is also a staple in Italian cuisine, often used in lasagna and other pasta dishes.","nutrition":{"calories":"N\/A","protein":"N\/A","fat":"N\/A","carbohydrates":"N\/A","fiber":"N\/A","sugar":"N\/A"},"serving_suggestions":"Use in lasagna, as a base for mac & cheese, or to enrich casseroles.","storage":"Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw before use and reheat gently, adding milk to adjust consistency.","dietary_info":["Contains dairy","Vegetarian"],"cooking_tips":["Avoid over-browning the roux for a true white sauce.","Add milk slowly to prevent lumps."],"variations":["Add cheese like Gruyere for a Mornay sauce variation.","Include spices like garlic powder or herbs for more flavor."],"ingredient_spotlight":"Butter provides richness and a smooth texture essential for the sauces creamy consistency.","flavor_profile":{"sweet":3,"savory":5,"sour":0,"bitter":1,"umami":3},"geographic_region":"Italian and French cuisine","seasonality":"Suitable year-round","sustainability_score":{"score":75,"details":"Simple ingredients and use of whole milk support sustainability."},"occasion":"Versatile for everyday cooking and special pasta dinners","skill_level":"Beginner","cost_estimate":4,"recommended_pairings":["Lasagna","Mac & Cheese","Casseroles"]} |
