Frederic Melton
Lasagne is a classic dish with many variations. One key variation is the use of béchamel sauce, a creamy French white sauce, instead of ricotta or cottage cheese. Béchamel sauce is considered one of the five mother sauces in Italian cooking and is made with butter, flour, and milk. It is used in many dishes, from lasagne to moussaka and potato gratins. When used in lasagne, the sauce is often layered with pasta and bolognese meat sauce. Some recipes include cheese in the béchamel sauce, while others sprinkle cheese between the layers of pasta and sauce or on top of the lasagne. The creamy texture and mild, sweet flavour of béchamel sauce make it a popular choice for those seeking a rich and indulgent lasagne.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of sauce | Béchamel, also known as "besciamella" in Italian |
| Ingredients | Butter, flour, milk |
| Consistency | Creamy |
| Texture | Can range from thick to thin, depending on what it's used for |
| Taste | Mild and sweet |
| Cheese | Some recipes include cheese, while others don't |
| Use in lasagna | Can be used as a layer in lasagna, or as a base for other sauces |
| Origin | Northern Italy |
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What You'll Learn
Bechamel sauce is a classic French sauce
When making bechamel sauce, it is important to constantly whisk the sauce and stir it while it cooks to prevent lumps from forming and to avoid burning. The sauce should be cooked over medium-low heat, and care should be taken to not let the roux brown. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and nutmeg can be added to taste. Some people also choose to add cheese to their bechamel sauce, such as Parmesan, to enhance the flavour.
In lasagna, bechamel sauce is layered with pasta, bolognese meat sauce, and cheese. It is known to give lasagna a creamier texture and help hold the layers of pasta together. The sauce can be made fresh and used immediately, or it can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen.
Bechamel sauce is a versatile base that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond lasagna. It is often used as a base for mac and cheese, alfredo sauce, and pizza sauce. With its creamy texture and mild, sweet flavour, bechamel sauce is a classic French sauce that adds richness and depth to various dishes.
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It's made with butter, flour and milk
Bechamel sauce, also known as "besciamella" in Italian, is a creamy white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. It is considered one of the five "mother sauces" in Italian and French cooking and is used as a base for many other sauces and dishes. For lasagna, the bechamel sauce is typically made with a white roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour cooked quickly to maintain its light colour and subtle nutty flavour. Milk is then slowly added to the roux and whisked continuously to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency.
The key to a smooth bechamel sauce is to avoid lumps formed by the flour. This can be done by cooking the roux long enough to get rid of the floury taste and using medium-low heat to prevent browning. When adding the milk, it is important to start with hot milk and whisk thoroughly to break up any lumps. The milk should be added in batches, continuously whisking until the sauce becomes creamy.
Bechamel sauce is a versatile base that can be seasoned with salt, pepper, nutmeg, or Parmesan cheese to enhance its mild and sweet flavour. It is commonly used in lasagna, providing a creamy texture and a rich counterpoint to the acidity of tomatoes. The sauce holds the layers of pasta together, creating a cohesive and delicious dish.
When assembling a lasagna with bechamel sauce, it is essential to layer the sauce with other ingredients such as pasta, bolognese meat sauce, and cheese. The bechamel sauce can be spread between the layers of pasta, and additional cheese, such as mozzarella and Parmesan, can be sprinkled on top. The lasagna is then baked until warmed through, with the cheese browned and bubbly.
Bechamel sauce is a key component in creating a creamy and flavourful lasagna. Its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional Italian or French culinary experience.
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It can be used as a base for other sauces
Bechamel, or "besciamella" in Italian, is a creamy white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. It is considered one of the five "mother sauces" in Italian and French cooking. Due to its mild and sweet flavour, it serves as an excellent base for creating other sauces. Here are some examples of how Bechamel can be used as a foundation for various sauces:
Alfredo Sauce
Bechamel can be used as a base for making a delicious homemade Alfredo sauce. This sauce is perfect for pasta dishes, adding a creamy and rich flavour.
Mac and Cheese Sauce
Bechamel is an ideal starting point for a mouth-watering mac and cheese sauce. The mildness of Bechamel complements the sharpness of cheddar cheese, resulting in a perfectly balanced sauce.
Pizza Sauce
Bechamel is a versatile sauce that can be used as a base for pizza toppings. Its creamy texture and subtle flavour enhance the overall taste of the pizza, making it more indulgent.
Casserole Sauce
Bechamel is a key component in many casserole dishes, adding a creamy texture and rich flavour. It is often used in potato gratins and casseroles, giving them a silky smooth consistency.
Croque Monsieur Sauce
Bechamel is not just limited to pasta and pizza; it is also used in sandwiches like the Croque Monsieur. The sauce adds a creamy and indulgent twist to this classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
Cheese Sauce for Vegetables
Bechamel can be transformed into a delectable cheese sauce by adding grated cheese. This sauce pairs exceptionally well with vegetables like broccoli, enhancing their flavour and making them more appetising.
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It's used in lasagne to hold pasta layers together
Bechamel sauce, also known as "besciamella" in Italian, is a creamy white sauce that is used in lasagne to hold the pasta layers together. It is made with butter, flour, and milk, and is considered one of the five "mother sauces" in Italian cooking. The sauce is cooked on the stovetop, and it is important to whisk continuously while adding the flour and milk to prevent lumps from forming.
When making lasagne with bechamel sauce, you can start by spreading a thin layer of bolognese sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Then, add a layer of noodles, followed by more meat sauce. Spread some bechamel sauce over the top, and then add a couple of handfuls of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until you have used up all your ingredients, ending with a layer of shredded cheese on top.
The creamy bechamel sauce in lasagne provides a rich counterpoint to the acidity of the tomatoes and balances out the hearty flavour of the meat sauce. It is also said to give the dish a creamier and saucier texture, allowing the sauce to seep into all the nooks and crannies of the pasta layers.
While bechamel sauce is a classic choice for lasagne, some variations may use ricotta cheese instead. Traditional lasagne can include either bechamel or ricotta, depending on the region and personal preference. In the US, for example, versions that use ricotta are more common, while lasagne with bechamel sauce is less well-known.
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You can add cheese to your bechamel sauce
Bechamel is a classic French sauce that is used in many dishes, including lasagne. It is made with flour, butter, and milk, cooked together to form a thick paste (the "roux") before milk is added. The sauce is then seasoned with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
If you want to add cheese to your bechamel sauce, you have the option to build the flavor profile as you go. You can season with extra salt, a pinch of nutmeg, and/or parmesan cheese. However, some people prefer to leave the bechamel sauce plain and simple, adding cheese in other ways when assembling the lasagne.
One recipe for lasagne with bechamel sauce includes bolognese sauce, sausage, and beef. It starts with a thin layer of bolognese on the bottom, followed by a single layer of noodles, more meat sauce, and then bechamel. At this point, you can add a couple of handfuls of mozzarella and parmesan, before adding another layer of noodles on top. You can continue layering until you have used up all your ingredients, ending with a layer of shredded cheese on top.
Another recipe for lasagne with bechamel includes ricotta cheese. It starts with a layer of meat sauce, followed by noodles, bechamel, and then mozzarella and parmesan cheese. These layers are repeated, ending with noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese on top.
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Frequently asked questions
Some recipes call for cheese to be added to the béchamel sauce, while others suggest leaving the sauce plain and adding cheese in between the layers of pasta.
Béchamel sauce is a creamy French white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. It is used in many dishes, including lasagne, moussaka, gratins, casseroles, and croque monsieur.
Béchamel sauce is a type of cheese sauce, but it can also be used as a base for other sauces. It has a milder and sweeter flavour than other cheese sauces.
Yes, béchamel sauce can be made one day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Start with a thin layer of meat sauce, then add a layer of pasta. Spread some béchamel sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
