Béchamel sauce
Minimal ingredients — excellent result.
Properties and origin: According to one version, the béchamel sauce recipe was discovered by Louis de Béchamel, chief steward to Louis XIV. According to another version, this sauce was first prepared by the royal chef François de La Varenne, who is considered the founder of haute cuisine at Versailles.
Usage: Béchamel sauce is primarily used in preparing pasta and macaroni dishes. It is an essential ingredient in lasagna and soufflés. In France, it is served with vegetable dishes. Béchamel is also frequently used as a base for other sauces—aurora, mornay, soubise—served with fish and meat dishes. Béchamel is commonly used to braise cutlets, chicken gizzards, and meatballs. It also flavors omelets with asparagus and vegetables, baked potatoes with mushrooms and cheese, and seafood. Additionally, it is used to dress salads and puréed soups, and added to vegetable fillings made from broccoli and zucchini.
Chef's tips: It is recommended to brush roasts with béchamel sauce 2–3 minutes before completion and sprinkle with grated cheese. The dish will turn out juicy and aromatic. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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