Traditional Béchamel Sauce: Smooth and Creamy Basic Recipe

 Béchamel is one of the classic mother sauces. Velvety, rich, and versatile — perfect for lasagna, croquettes, casseroles, and baked vegetables.

Ingredients (yields approx. 600 ml):

  • 60 g butter

  • 60 g all-purpose flour

  • 750 ml whole milk

  • Salt to taste

  • Nutmeg to taste (optional)

Step-by-step preparation:

  1. Make the roux:
    In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
    Add the flour all at once and stir with a wooden spoon or whisk for 2–3 minutes. Don’t let it brown — just cook off the raw taste.

  2. Add the milk:
    Heat the milk in a separate pot.
    Slowly pour the hot milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
    Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens — about 10 minutes.

  3. Season:
    Add salt to taste and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
    The final consistency should be like light custard: creamy but not runny.

Tips and variations:

  • For a lighter version: use 40 g butter and 40 g flour.

  • If it gets lumpy: use an immersion blender or strain it.

  • For croquettes: use less milk or more flour for a thicker sauce.

Comentarios

Publicar un comentario

Entradas populares de este blog

🥚 Easter Mona: Tradition and Flavor in Every Bite

Prepare an authentic homemade Easter Mona using a Polish-style pre-ferment dough that gives it a uniquely soft and fluffy texture. This traditional recipe is perfect for celebrating with family and friends, filled with flavor and the warmth of homemade care. Ideal for those who enjoy baking and creating special moments to share. Ingredients & Preparation Polish (Pre-Ferment): 100 g strong flour (bread flour) 100 ml lukewarm milk 1 g dry yeast (or 3 g fresh yeast) Preparation: In a bowl, mix all ingredients until combined. Cover and let ferment for 2–3 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge. The mixture should be bubbly and fragrant. Final Dough: All of the Polish 300 g strong flour (bread flour) 2 eggs + 1 yolk 90 g sugar 80 g soft butter 1 pinch of salt Zest of 1 lemon or orange 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or orange blossom water (Optional) 1 tablespoon honey or inverted sugar Step-by-Step Instructions: Step 1 – Mixing...
Leer más

Hearty Cocido Croquettes: Traditional Recipe Loaded with Meat and Veggies

 These homemade croquettes are packed with a generous mix of cooked meats and vegetables from the classic Spanish stew, blended into a creamy béchamel and fried golden and crispy. Perfect for a comforting dish and leftover makeover. Ingredients: 250 g cooked chicken (breast or thigh, skinless and boneless) 150 g cooked beef (shin or shank) 100 g finely chopped serrano or Iberian ham (preferably from the stew) 150 g cooked stew vegetables: 70 g carrot 40 g leek 20 g turnip 20 g celery 60 g butter 80 g wheat flour 650 ml whole milk (adjust as needed) Salt and black pepper to taste 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg 2 large eggs (for breading) Breadcrumbs (as needed) Sunflower or mild olive oil for frying Preparation: Prep meat and veggies: Finely chop or shred chicken, beef, and ham. Dice vegetables into small pieces to blend well in the dough. Thick béchamel: Melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring to avoid ...
Leer más

Homemade Chocolate Brownie: Soft, Easy, and Delicious

  Homemade Chocolate Brownie: Soft, Easy, and Delicious Make a homemade chocolate brownie that’s soft inside with a slightly crispy crust—perfect for chocolate lovers. This simple recipe is ideal for enjoying with family or friends, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Ingredients: 250 g dark chocolate 250 g butter 400 g sugar 4 eggs 200 g flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon salt 150 g walnuts (optional) Instructions: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a brownie pan. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over low heat or in the microwave. Stir until smooth. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add the sugar. Continue beating until smooth and slightly fluffy. Incorporate the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs and mix well. Add the sifted flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. If desired, fold in the walnuts evenly into the batter. Pour the b...
Leer más