{"id":"bechamel_3e357abcda","slug":"bechamel-sauce","title":"Béchamel Sauce","description":"A classic French mother sauce, smooth, creamy, and versatile, made from a white roux and milk.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":15},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"50g unsalted butter","name":"Butter","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.75,"usUnit":"oz","form":"unsalted","notes":"","group":"Roux","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"50g all-purpose flour","name":"All-purpose flour","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.75,"usUnit":"oz","form":"all-purpose","notes":"","group":"Roux","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"500ml whole milk","name":"Milk","quantity":500,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"2","usUnit":"cup","form":"whole","notes":"","group":"Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1/2 tsp salt","name":"Salt","quantity":3,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"tsp","form":"fine","notes":"to taste","group":"Seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1 pinch ground nutmeg","name":"Nutmeg","quantity":0.5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"Seasoning","optional":true}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low to medium heat until it starts to foam.","group":"Preparation","title":"In a medium saucepan, melt the butter","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to create a white roux. Do not let it brown; the color should remain pale.","group":"Roux","title":"Add the flour and whisk constantly","timerMinutes":2,"sourceTitle":"Roux"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Gradually pour in the milk, a little at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition to ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free.","group":"Sauce","title":"Gradually pour in the milk, a little","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Sauce"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.","group":"Sauce","title":"Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer","timerMinutes":7,"sourceTitle":"Sauce"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Remove from heat and stir in the salt and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.","group":"Seasoning","title":"Remove from heat","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Seasoning"}],"notes":"Always add milk slowly to prevent lumps. For a thicker sauce, simmer for a few extra minutes.","cuisine":{"group":"Western European","specific":["French"]},"course":["sauce"],"cookingMethod":["simmer"],"equipment":["saucepan","whisk"],"diet":["vegetarian"],"allergens":["milk","gluten"],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":500,"unit":"ml","note":"Makes approximately 2 cups"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Prepare and store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in the refrigerator with a piece of parchment paper or cling film directly on the sauce surface.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat slowly over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fbechamel_3e357abcda%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=755f4175-e3c7-4bb8-883c-9df0653e564b","imageAlt":"Béchamel Sauce — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["white sauce","classic","mother sauce","creamy","french"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Béchamel Sauce","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T04:37:30.974Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T04:37:30.974Z","related":[{"id":"sauce_hollandaise_db2c3a3913","slug":"classic-hollandaise-sauce","title":"Classic Hollandaise Sauce","description":"A rich, velvety, and buttery French classic sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice. This essential mother sauce is the crowning glory for Eggs Benedict, asparagus, or poached fish.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":10,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Western European","specific":["French"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free","low_carb","keto"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fsauce_hollandaise_db2c3a3913%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=99edb059-ce92-4452-b31c-5ab58fb390d3","imageAlt":"Classic Hollandaise Sauce — recipe cover","tags":["creamy","classic","mother sauce","buttery","brunch"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":5,"stepCount":5},{"id":"mint_sauce_13138c1e1c","slug":"classic-mint-sauce","title":"Classic Mint Sauce","description":"A vibrant and refreshing Western European condiment specifically designed to balance the richness of roast meats, particularly lamb.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":5},"cuisine":{"group":"Western European","specific":["British"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","fat_free","low_fat"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fmint_sauce_13138c1e1c%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=da920287-0aff-4215-91dd-46efd70ff3f1","imageAlt":"Classic Mint Sauce — recipe cover","tags":["mint","sauce","condiment","lamb sauce","british cuisine","fresh herbs"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":5,"stepCount":5},{"id":"molho_piri_piri_f50e7e5537","slug":"piri-piri-sauce","title":"Piri-Piri Sauce","description":"A fiery, tangy Portuguese condiment made with bird's eye chilies, garlic, and citrus. Perfect as a marinade for chicken or a spicy dipping sauce.","serves":10,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Western European","specific":["Portuguese"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","paleo","gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fmolho_piri_piri_f50e7e5537%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=af50adc8-f585-48c0-9698-e7f8990106fb","imageAlt":"Piri-Piri Sauce — recipe cover","tags":["spicy","hot sauce","portuguese","condiment","piri piri"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":4}]}