Are you ready to transform your ordinary dishes into restaurant-worthy masterpieces? This All-Purpose Cream Sauce is the culinary magic wand every home cook needs in their recipe arsenal! Whether you're looking to elevate a simple pasta, drizzle over vegetables, or create a luxurious base for your favorite protein, this foolproof French-inspired sauce will become your new kitchen staple. In just 15 minutes, you'll learn how to create a silky, smooth sauce that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests impressed!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and have them measured and ready before starting the cooking process.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it doesn't brown or burn. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
- Once the butter is completely melted and starts to bubble slightly, add the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously to create a smooth paste known as a roux.
- Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps remove the raw flour taste and creates a golden base for the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce reaches a desired consistency - typically 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning carefully.
- Remove from heat and use immediately, or cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming if not using right away.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little additional milk. If too thin, continue cooking to reduce and thicken.
Tips
- Mise en Place is Key: Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth sauce-making process.
- Whisk with Confidence: Continuous whisking is crucial to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Watch Your Heat: Medium heat is perfect for melting butter and cooking the roux. Too high, and you'll burn the butter; too low, and the sauce won't develop proper flavor.
- Patience with the Roux: Cook the butter and flour mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and create a golden base.
- Add Milk Gradually: Pour milk slowly while whisking to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth consistency.
- Seasoning Matters: Taste and adjust salt and pepper carefully. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Consistency is King: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little milk. If too thin, continue cooking to reduce.
- Prevent Skin Formation: If not using immediately, cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Pro Tip: This versatile sauce can be easily customized by adding herbs, cheese, or other seasonings to match your dish perfectly!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
