Béchamel is one of the fundamental sauces of Italian cuisine, prized for its creaminess and versatility. Perfect for enriching lasagna, cannelloni and many other dishes. The traditional version of this sauce is prepared with butter, but today we will prepare béchamel without butter, using Extra Virgin OliveOlive Oil as a substitute: the result is a light and tasty sauce, perfect for those who want a healthier version of the classic béchamel.
Its velvety texture and delicate flavor make it ideal for enriching pasta dishes, main courses and side dishes. Discover the easy recipe for making a perfect béchamel sauce, ideal for all kinds of preparations in the kitchen.
1. In a saucepan, heat the milk until it begins to come to a boil.
2. In another pot, put theOlive Oil EVO and flour, and mix well to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Add the hot milk a little at a time, continuing to stir with a whisk.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add salt and nutmeg to taste, and mix well.
6. Let the béchamel rest for a few minutes before using it.
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 qualityOlive Oil : extra virgin OliveOlive 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 theOlive 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 minutesbefore using it so that it reaches the right consistency.
Béchamel and Extra Virgin Olive Olive Oil ...a perfect combination!
Béchamel with Extra Virgin OliveOlive Oil is a lighter and healthier variation to the traditional version that uses butter. OliveOlive Oil , unlike butter, is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, known for its benefits on cardiovascular health. In addition,Olive Oil EVO is a source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and cellular aging.
Opting for extra virgin oliveOlive 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. Extra Virgin OliveOlive 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.Olive 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 butterless béchamel sauce we used theExtra Virgin OliveOlive Oil Fruttato Farchioni , suitable for any preparation by virtue of its harmonious and pleasant taste, which goes well with the béchamel ingredients.
