Béchamel without butter: the recipe with extra virgin olive oil

Béchamel without butter: preparation tips

The recipe for butterless béchamel sauce is quick and easy, and you only need to follow a few small steps for a perfect result:

• Use a good quality oil: extra virgin olive oil is the best alternative to butter to make a rich and tasty béchamel sauce.
• Mix the flour well: be sure to mix the flour well with the oil to prevent lumps from forming.
• Do not boil the milk: heat the milk until it comes close to boiling, but do not let it boil, otherwise it may form lumps in the béchamel sauce.
• Add milk gradually: when adding milk, do so a little at a time, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
• Use a whisk: A whisk is the best tool for mixing the béchamel and achieving a smooth, even consistency.
• Don't stop stirring: constantly stir the béchamel as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Once the béchamel sauce is ready (it will take 5 to 10 minutes depending on how thick you want it), let it sit for a few minutes before using it so that it reaches the right consistency.

Béchamel and extra virgin olive oil...a perfect combination! 

Béchamel with extra virgin olive oil is a lighter and healthier variation to the traditional version that uses butter. Olive oil, unlike butter, is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, known for its benefits on cardiovascular health. In addition, EVO oil is a source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and cellular aging.

Opting for extra virgin olive oil in the preparation of béchamel also means choosing a more digestible and lighter product . Butter, in fact, can be heavy on the stomach and difficult to assimilate for those with lactose intolerance. EVO oil, on the contrary, is lactose-free and therefore also suitable for those who follow a vegan diet or have problems with intolerance to this sugar. The oil is also able to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients without covering them, giving the béchamel an aromatic note that goes well with many recipes.

For our butter-free béchamel sauce we used Fruttato Farchioni Extra Virgin Olive Oil, suitable for any preparation by virtue of its harmonious and pleasant taste, which goes well with the béchamel ingredients.