Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
– 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
– 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
– A pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions:
Step 1: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Step 2: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until all the flour is absorbed into the butter. Keep whisking until the mixture turns a light golden brown, this is called a roux and will help thicken the sauce.
Step 3: Add the milk to the roux and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Keep whisking the mixture as it simmers until it begins to thicken slightly and starts to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the grated Gruyere cheese to the mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Step 5: Add the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the sauce and stir to combine. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Step 6: Return the saucepan to low heat and simmer the sauce for another 5-7 minutes until it has thickened. Make sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from burning.
Step 7: If you wish to have a smoother sauce, you can pour the sauce through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps or cheese bits.
Step 8: Your Mornay béchamel sauce is ready! You can serve it over your favorite pasta, seafood, or vegetables.
Tips and Tricks:
– Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor. We recommend using Gruyere cheese, but you can also use Parmesan, Cheddar, or any other hard and aged cheese.
– Be patient when whisking the roux and do not let it burn. The roux forms the foundation of the sauce, so it’s important to get it right.
– Keep whisking the sauce all the time to avoid lumps and a smooth consistency.
– If you want a less thick sauce, you can add more milk to the mixture.
Conclusion:
Mornay béchamel is a classic sauce that brings a rich and creamy flavor to many dishes. Creating the sauce is easy, and with a few simple ingredients, anyone can prepare it at home. Use this sauce to add a French twist to your pasta, seafood, or vegetable dishes, the possibilities are endless. So, next time you want to add a touch of luxury to your meal, give this Mornay béchamel recipe a try, and you won’t be disappointed!