Embark on a culinary journey with our comprehensive guide to the classic Italian sauce, besciamella, also known as white sauce. Renowned for its versatility, this creamy and flavorful sauce forms the foundation of countless dishes, from lasagna and cannelloni to croquettes and soufflés. In this article, we delve into the art of crafting the perfect besciamella, providing step-by-step instructions for both the traditional method and a simplified variation. Additionally, we present an array of delectable recipes that showcase the diverse applications of this versatile sauce. Whether you seek a comforting pasta bake, a hearty gratin, or a light and fluffy soufflé, our collection of recipes offers something for every palate.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BECHAMEL SAUCE RECIPE
Bechamel Sacue or Salsa Besciamella is one one the basic sauces in cooking.It's also the easiest and fastest sauce to make.
Provided by Italian Recipe Book
Categories Sauces
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a stove-top pot melt butter.
- Add flour and whisk well until a thick creamy paste forms. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in about ⅓ cup of milk. Continue whisking energetically breaking all the lumps. Make sure to scrape well the bottom and sides of the pot.
- Once you have reached a smooth consistency add a little more milk. Continue adding milk in small portions until you have used up all the milk.
- Increase the heat a little and continue whisking and cooking the sauce.
- Once it starts to thicken, cook it for another 20-30 seconds and turn off the heat.
- Continue to whisk. You'll notice Bechamel Sauce will continue to thicken even with the heat off.
- Once it reached desired consistency, season it with nutmeg and salt to taste or other seasonings (see suggestions above the recipe).
- Give another good stir.
- If you're not planning to use the sauce immediately see my tips above how to store it to prevent a skin from forming.
BéCHAMEL
Classic and creamy béchamel sauce doesn't include cheese, but we love the nutty pop from Parmesan. Go traditional or play with the flavor: add a little shredded Cheddar, smoked Gouda or even fresh goat cheese.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 15m
Yield about 2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Put the milk in a glass measuring cup and microwave until just warm, about 1 minute.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk until combined. Continue to whisk until the mixture bubbles a bit, but does not brown, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, whisking often and occasionally running a rubber spatula around the edges of the saucepan to prevent burning. When the sauce is boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook until thickened to a nice coating consistency, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the Parmesan, if using, and stir until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
BASIC CREAM SAUCE (BESCIAMELLA)
Steps:
- In a 2-qt. saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not let the mixture brown. Slowly whisk in the hot milk and bring just to a simmer, whisking frequently. Reduce the heat to low and cook, whisking often, until the sauce has thickened to a creamy, gravy-like consistency and no longer tastes of raw flour, 6 to 8 minutes for a single batch, 10 to 12 minutes for a double batch. Remove from the heat and whisk in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. If not using right away, transfer to a bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce to keep a skin from forming. Plan to use the sauce within 30 minutes because it thickens if it's left to sit for too long. If that should happen, add a little warm milk and whisk well to thin it.
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
EASY CREAM SAUCE
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbles begin to appear around the edge. Keep warm.
- Melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the flour and stir until the mixture is well blended to make a roux . Continue cooking, stirring, for 2 minutes. Make sure it does not turn brown.
- Gradually stir the hot milk into the flour and butter mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to boil and thickens. Simmer, frequently stirring, over very low heat for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cream and wine, if using. Season with salt and pepper and add a little nutmeg if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 85 kcal, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 22 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 26 mg, Sugar 2 g, Fat 7 g, ServingSize Makes 1 1/2 cups (8 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
BASIC WHITE SAUCE - SALSA DI BESCIAMELLA
Besciamella, white sauce, is more frequently associated with northern Italian cooking, and is used in oven-baked pasta dishes like lasagne, or with vegetables or fish. It can be made ahead and refrigerated for 3-4 days but will thicken as it sits. When you reheat it, thin the sauce, with a little milk. This basic recipe does not have the addition of herbs or spices. Those ingredients should be added after the sauce is cooked, and should be tailored to the dish being prepared. Recipe by Maryanne Esposito of Ciao Italia ---------- For those of you that don't know Maryanne Esposito, let me introduce you to a marvelous cook, who cooks only "Authentic" Italian food, and it is incredible! I had the priviledge of meeting Maryanne at a woman's luncheon many years ago, and she has her own cooking show on Channel 11 in NH. She and her husband, who is a local doctor, live in the next town from where I used to live and work.
Provided by Lindas Busy Kitchen
Categories Sauces
Time 25m
Yield 4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over med-low heat. Do not let the butter brown.
- Whisk in the flour, and cook it until a uniform paste is formed, and no streaks of flour remain.
- Slowly whisk in the milk in a steady stream.
- Cook about 10 minutes, stirring slowly until the sauce coats the back of a wooden spoon.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 416.5, Fat 32.1, SaturatedFat 20.2, Cholesterol 95.2, Sodium 123, Carbohydrate 23.3, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 0.1, Protein 9.9
Tips:
- For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- To make a cheese sauce, add grated Parmesan or Cheddar cheese to the sauce.
- For a flavorful sauce, add herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
- To make a creamy vegetable sauce, add cooked vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to the sauce.
- To make a creamy mushroom sauce, add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
- To make a creamy tomato sauce, add tomato paste or crushed tomatoes to the sauce.
- To make a creamy pesto sauce, add pesto to the sauce.
- Serve the sauce over pasta, chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Béchamel sauce is a versatile and delicious sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy and flavorful sauce that will elevate any dish.
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