Bechamel sauce is one of the most classic and delicious sauces in Italian cuisine. Originally developed by Italian chefs in the 18th century, this sauce has become an essential part of world cuisine today. Bechamel sauce is known for its creamy texture, velvety consistency, and mildly salty taste, which adds a distinct flavor to many dishes. Its practicality and versatility make it ideal for home cooking.
The origins of bechamel sauce can be traced back to Marquis Louis de Bechamel, an Italian chef in Naples. The Marquis, known as a chef who served in France in the 17th century, gained fame for developing the basic mixture of flour, butter, and milk that forms the foundation of bechamel sauce. The original recipe used only milk, flour, and butter, but over time, different versions have been developed, incorporating various spices and flavors.
Ingredients
- 50g butter or margarine
- 50g flour
- 500g milk
- A pinch of salt (white pepper and nutmeg can also be used)
Instructions
- The first step is to melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely. Add the flour to the melted butter and quickly stir using a wooden spoon or whisk. Thoroughly combine the flour with the butter to create a roux. Continue stirring to lightly toast the flour, allowing it to lose its raw smell and turn darker in color.
- Remove the roux from the heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Then, place it back on the heat and gradually add the cold milk, stirring slowly and constantly over low heat. Continue stirring until the mixture of flour and milk becomes homogeneous. When the sauce begins to thicken, add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste.
- Continue cooking the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken and develop a richer consistency. The stirring process will ensure that the sauce is smooth.
You can use the bechamel sauce according to the recipe you are preparing. It can be used in various dishes such as lasagna, gratin, pasta, and vegetable dishes. Additionally, adding bechamel sauce to pizza can provide a delightful culinary experience.
Tips
You can adjust the consistency of bechamel sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of milk. Use less milk for a thicker sauce or more milk for a lighter sauce.
Stirring the sauce continuously ensures its smoothness and prevents lumps. Therefore, it is important to keep stirring while cooking the sauce.