Doughs:
Shapes:
MAKES about 3¾ cups (900 ml), enough for one 9 x 13-inch lasagne
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons (55 grams) unsalted butter
- A scant ⅓ cup (55 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3½ cups (800 ml) whole milk, plus more as needed
- Kosher salt
- Whole nutmeg
Directions
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, using a whisk to mix constantly, until it smells nutty and the mixture starts to loosen and bubble, 2 to 3 minutes.
While continuing to whisk, gradually add the milk, either in a slow, steady stream or a splash at a time. Increase the heat to me dium-high and, still whisking, cook until it thickens to the consistency of a creamy soup and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes more (it’ll continue to thicken as it cools). Turn off the heat. Season to taste with salt and freshly grated nutmeg.
To hold for more than 10 or 15 minutes, cover the surface of the sauce with a layer of plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Whisk again before use—once cool, if it seems too thick, loosen it with a splash of milk.
The besciamella can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat over low heat and loosen with more milk or warm water as needed.
VARIATIONS
Besciamella for Cheesy Spinach Lasagne
After the sauce thickens, turn off the heat and whisk in 6 ounces (170 grams) grated Fontina and 4 ounces (115 grams) grated low-moisture mozzarella, one handful at a time, until smooth, letting each addition melt before adding the next. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Reserve more grated cheese for topping.
Besciamella for Autumn Squash Lasagne
After the sauce thickens, turn off the heat and whisk in 10 ounces (285 grams) grated Fontina, Gruyère, Asiago, or a mix, one handful at a time, until smooth, letting each addition melt before adding the next. Season to taste with salt and nutmeg. Reserve more grated cheese for topping.
Vegan Besciamella
Swap out the butter for oil or a dairy-free butter alternative and the milk for an unflavored plant-based option like oat milk.