0

Herbed Shallot Béchamel Sauce
French cuisine
0
Be the first to like this recipeHerbed Shallot Béchamel Sauce
Prep: 10 min • Cook: 15 min. A sophisticated twist on the classic béchamel, this sauce features tender, sautéed shallots and a fragrant medley of fresh herbs like thyme and parsley. Its aromatic depth makes it an ideal accompaniment for delicate dishes such as pan-seared fish, roasted chicken, or light pasta preparations, elevating everyday meals with a touch of French elegance.
- Preparation time
- 10 min
- Cooking time
- 15 min
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Course
- Sauce or Dip
- Complexity
- Easy
Units:
Scale:
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter(unsalted)
- 2 pcs shallots(finely minced)
- 4 tbsp flour(all-purpose)
- 2 cup milk(whole milk, warmed)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme(finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley(finely chopped)
- tsp salt(to taste; null)
- tsp black pepper(freshly ground, to taste; null)
- tsp nutmeg(pinch, freshly grated (optional); null)
Instructions
Preparing the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent, being careful not to brown them.
- Sprinkle the flour over the shallots and butter. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, whisking occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the fresh thyme and parsley. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the sauce to prevent a skin from forming if not using right away.
Nutrition
- Servings
- 4
- Serving size (imperial)
- 4 cup
| Nutrient | Per serving | Per 100 ml | Total (4 servings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 200.5 kcal | 167.1 kcal | 802 kcal |
| Protein | 4.2 g | 3.5 g | 16.8 g |
| Fat | 12.8 g | 10.7 g | 51.2 g |
| Carbs | 15.1 g | 12.6 g | 60.4 g |
Tips
- Using warmed milk helps prevent lumps when adding it to the roux, ensuring a smoother béchamel.
- Finely mincing the shallots ensures they melt into the sauce, providing flavor without noticeable te
- Serve this sauce warm over grilled fish, poached chicken breast, steamed vegetables, or delicate pas
Community activity
Share your CookbackCookbacks
Loading cookbacks…
Comments
Loading comments…