Bechamel With Cheese
The one white sauce to rule them all - a smooth, foolproof bechamel you can keep plain or turn cheesy for lasagne, nachos and everything in between.
Serves: Makes 500ml
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
50g butter
2 tbsp flour
500ml milk
For traditional
salt, for seasoning
white pepper, to taste
1 bay leaf
pinch of nutmeg
For cheesy
250g mozzarella, sliced
1 cup grated Parmesan (or cheddar)
METHOD
In a biggish saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and allow it to just start foaming.
Add the flour and stir it into a paste with a wooden spoon. It should be smooth and golden - imagine you want every particle of flour to have its own meticulously applied layer of body oil.
Reduce the heat to low and add the milk, 1 cup at a time. The first cup will instantly plug everything up. Keep stirring and get it back to a smooth state before adding more.
Switch to a whisk about now, or after the next cup, once it's loose enough to accept one. It will help you keep the mixture smooth.
Gradually add the rest of the milk, whisking between each addition.
Stop once you have a lovely thick, smooth texture. It may continue to thicken as the flour swells, but you can just add more milk to your liking. It's easier to loosen than to re-thicken, so go slow.
If making it cheesy, stir the mozzarella and Parmesan through until melted and smooth.
Once you have the desired consistency, set aside and keep warm until ready to use. You can make bechamel ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
HINTS
Add the milk gradually and get the sauce fully smooth between each addition - rushing it is what gives you lumps.
Go for thick if you're dipping or building nachos, and thinner for lasagne where you want it wet.
Traditional seasoning is nutmeg, bay, salt and white pepper, but you do you.
NUTRITION (per recipe total, makes 500ml - guide only):
Energy: 3400 kJ (810 cal)
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 58 g
Saturated fat: 37 g
Carbohydrate: 45 g
Sugars: 25 g
Sodium: 650 mg
This nutrition information is a guide only and may vary depending on brands, exact quantities, and ingredient substitutions used.