Carrie Cerino’s White Sauce Recipe
Carrie Cerino’s White Sauce Recipe
Certainly! Here’s a basic recipe for white sauce, also known as béchamel sauce:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, but do not let it brown.
- Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, usually 5-7 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from heat.
This white sauce serves as a versatile base for many dishes. You can use it in pasta dishes, lasagna, casseroles, and more. Enjoy experimenting with it in your recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions for Carrie Cerino’s White Sauce
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: While you can use salted butter, it’s advisable to use unsalted butter to have better control over the salt content in your sauce.
Q: What can I use white sauce for?
A: White sauce, or béchamel sauce, is a versatile base for various dishes. You can use it in pasta dishes, lasagna, casseroles, and as a base for creamy soups.
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the white sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove, stirring constantly to maintain its consistency.
Q: How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
A: To avoid lumps, make sure to whisk continuously when adding the milk to the flour mixture. Gradually adding the milk while whisking helps create a smooth sauce.
Q: Can I freeze the white sauce?
A: While you can freeze white sauce, it may undergo a texture change upon thawing. It’s best to use it fresh for optimal taste and consistency.
Q: Can I customize the seasonings in the white sauce?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and nutmeg according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding herbs or other seasonings for a unique flavor.