Although widely recognized by its French name, bechamel, this sauce has been known in Italy as besciamella (or balsamella or bechimella) for centuries. The sauce functions as a binding element in many pasta and vegetable dishes. It is also used as a topping in baked dishes—most notably lasagne and cannelloni—to prevent them from drying out.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 4 tbsp. sifted flour
- 2 cups hot milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Instructions
Step 1
Melt butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour and whisk for 1½ minutes (do not allow to brown).
Step 2
Gradually add hot milk, whisking constantly. Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until sauce is the consistency of thick cream, about 15 minutes.
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