Classic Béchamel Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups milk, room temperature Equipment Needed:

Heavy Saucepan
Wooden Spoon
Heavy-Duty Whisk

Preparation:

(1) In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.

(2) Add flour, whisking a few minutes until the flour mixture becomes bubbly (this is the roux). Do not allow the roux mixture to brown or darken!

(3) Gradually add the milk, while whisking constantly, until the mixture is well blended and smooth.

Continue to cook, stirring constantly (so that the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan and begin to burn), until the sauce begins to boil and thicken. I like to turn my heat to very low. Immediately remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.