Recipe Overview
Level: Easy | Yield: 4 servings, plus leftovers
Time Breakdown:
- Total: 25 minutes
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 of 4 servings):
- Calories: 440
- Total Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg
- Sodium: 799 mg
Ingredients
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons white vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the butter over low heat, ideally in a double boiler, or carefully in a pot, stirring frequently. The key to success is keeping the temperature controlled to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Step 2: Mix in the flour, blending it well with the butter until smooth and fully incorporated. This creates the base of your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously. Take your time with this step to ensure a silky texture without lumps.
Step 4: Cook over low-medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamyapproximately 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Whisk in the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, nutmeg, and cloves. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the spices to fully bloom and infuse the sauce with rich, savory flavor.
Step 6: Slowly whisk in the vinegar. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce reaches a perfect consistency.
Chef's Tips
This sauce thrives on patience and attention. Keep the heat low throughout the cooking process and stir regularly to achieve that luxurious, velvety finish. Use this versatile sauce to elevate chicken breast, fish, steak, omelets, vegetables, and more!
Recipe courtesy of Johanna Vasseur, Darby's Cafe
