Are you ready to transform ordinary dishes into restaurant-quality masterpieces? This French-inspired cream sauce recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut to creating silky, rich, and incredibly versatile sauces that will make your taste buds dance with delight! Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this foolproof method will elevate your cooking game and impress everyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, ensuring it doesn't brown or burn.
- Add flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the sauce and remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable or chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Continue cooking and stirring the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to simmer and slightly thicken, ensuring the sauce develops a rich, consistent texture.
- Slowly add heavy cream to the saucepan, stirring continuously to incorporate and create a silky, creamy consistency.
- Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce gently simmer and develop depth of flavor.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 1-2 minutes before serving, which allows it to slightly thicken and stabilize.
- Use immediately as a base for cream soups, over vegetables, pasta, or as a sauce for proteins.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and prevent lumps.
- Whisk constantly during the roux and sauce-making process to achieve a perfectly smooth texture.
- Control your heat carefully - medium heat is key to developing flavor without burning.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or fresh herbs to your sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little extra broth; if too thin, continue simmering.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure maximum flavor.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 100mg
