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Basic White Sauce Salsa Di Besciamella Recipe

Master the art of making authentic Italian Salsa di Besciamella, a versatile white sauce foundational to countless dishes! This classic recipe, shared by renowned Italian cook Maryanne Esposito of Ciao Italia (Channel 11, NH), is incredibly simple yet elegant. Perfect for lasagne, baked vegetables, fish, or as a base for countless flavorful sauces. Learn how to create a smooth, creamy bechamel that will elevate your Italian cooking to the next level. Make it ahead and refrigerate – it thickens as it sits, easily thinned with a splash of milk upon reheating. This basic recipe is free of herbs and spices, allowing you to customize it to perfectly complement your chosen dish.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Calories 416.5 kcal
Protein 19g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Basic White Sauce Salsa Di Besciamella 13

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basic White Sauce Salsa Di Besciamella

  • Unsalted Butter
  • Unbleached All Purpose Flour
  • 3 cups (709ml) whole milk
  • Fine Sea Salt
  • White Pepper

How to Make Basic White Sauce Salsa Di Besciamella

  1. Melt 1/4 cup (57g) of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Do not brown the butter.
  2. Whisk in 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour until a smooth paste forms without any streaks of flour.
  3. Gradually whisk in 3 cups (709ml) of whole milk in a steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, for 8-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
  5. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add any desired herbs or spices after cooking.
  6. (Optional) To serve immediately, keep warm over very low heat. If making ahead, refrigerate for up to 3-4 days and thin with additional milk before reheating.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

5 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

100g

Carbs

7g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Cuisine Preparation 5 Ingredients Or Less Sauces Condiments Etc Easy European Beginner Cook Italian Stove Top Dietary Low Sodium Low Carb Low In Something Equipment