Classic Italian Besciamella

User Reviews

4.6

63 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    2 cups

  • Calories

    402 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Classic Italian Besciamella

The common use of this “mother sauce” is in lasagna or cannelloni, but you can get creative and use it to bring flavor to other dishes as well, like with cooked vegetables, as the base for a creamy soup or added to macaroni and cheese.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 4 tablespoons all purpose flour sifted
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • A dash of nutmeg optional
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Instructions

  1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just about to boil. You’ll know it’s ready if it sends up a little steam when you stir it.
  2. While the milk is heating, melt the butter in another saucepan over medium low heat.
  3. Slowly add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously, to create a smooth mixture. Keep whisking for another minute to let the roux cook. Be careful not to let it brown.
  4. Begin to whisk the milk into the roux slowly, a small ladleful at a time. Be patient and don’t rush. The mixture will be thick and hard to whisk at first, but it will thin out as you add the rest of the milk.
  5. Once all the milk is fully incorporated, season to taste with the salt and pepper. If you want to add nutmeg you can add a generous dash of grated nutmeg at this point.
  6. Keep whisking slowly as the sauce thickens.It will take approximately 12-15 minutes to reach the right density, so don’t worry if your sauce seems too thin at first. It’s ready when it begins to stick to the whisk in a nice thick coat and stirring becomes more difficult.
  7. Remove from heat and use, or let cool completely before storing.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 50g Calories 402kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 31g (48%) Saturated Fat 19g (95%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 89mg (30%) Sodium 273mg (11%) Potassium 389mg (11%) Fiber 0.4g (2%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 1095IU (22%) Calcium 309mg (31%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 402 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 50g
Calories 402kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 31g 48%
Saturated Fat 19g 95%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 89mg 30%
Sodium 273mg 11%
Potassium 389mg 8%
Fiber 0.4g 2%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 1095IU 22%
Calcium 309mg 31%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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4.6

63 reviews
Excellent

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