Recipe Title: Butter-Free Bechamel Sauce
Category: Sauces and Condiments
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sunflower oil (or any neutral oil) | 90g |
| All-purpose flour | 100g |
| Semi-skimmed milk | 1 liter |
| Nutmeg | to taste |
| Fine salt | to taste |
Instructions
To create this smooth and creamy butter-free béchamel sauce, begin by pouring the milk into a saucepan and warming it over medium heat. As the milk heats up, place another saucepan on the stove and add the sunflower oil. Heat the oil over low heat, allowing it to warm slowly without smoking.
Once the oil is heated, gradually sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the oil while stirring vigorously with a whisk. This step is crucial to avoid the formation of lumps. Continue to mix until the flour has fully absorbed the oil, and the mixture starts to take on a light golden color.
Once the flour and oil mixture has reached this golden hue, slowly incorporate the warmed milk into the pan. Pour the milk in a steady stream while continuously whisking the mixture to maintain a smooth consistency. The sauce will begin to thicken as it simmers.
Continue cooking the béchamel over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired thickness. Season with salt and freshly grated nutmeg to taste. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from the heat and it’s ready to use.
This versatile butter-free béchamel is a perfect base for many dishes, whether you’re making lasagna, gratins, or simply drizzling over vegetables. Enjoy this healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or creaminess!
