Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 slices of white bread, crusts removed
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 small onion, peeled and studded with 4 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Fine mesh sieve
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Tear the bread into small pieces and put them in a saucepan.
2. Add the milk, onion, bay leaf, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread has broken down and the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove the onion and bay leaf from the saucepan.
6. Pass the sauce through a fine mesh sieve into a clean saucepan.
7. Reheat the sauce over low heat until it is hot, stirring occasionally.
Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for boiling, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
Makes 2 cups of sauce, serves 4-6 people
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 200mg
Sugar: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted with whole wheat bread or gluten-free bread.
- Whole milk can be substituted with skim milk or almond milk.
- Ground nutmeg can be substituted with ground cinnamon or ground cloves.
Variations:
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a more complex flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce for a richer texture.
- Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the sauce for a pop of freshness.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the sauce to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Storage instructions:
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sauce in a gravy boat or a small pitcher.
Garnishes:
Garnish the sauce with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.
Pairings:
Classic Bread Sauce pairs well with roast chicken, turkey, or beef.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve Classic Bread Sauce with roasted potatoes, green beans, or carrots.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too lumpy, pass it through a fine mesh sieve again to remove any remaining bread bits.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to remove the onion and bay leaf from the saucepan before serving.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Food history:
Bread sauce is a traditional British sauce that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was originally made with bread crumbs, milk, and spices, and was served with roast meats.
Flavor profiles:
Classic Bread Sauce is creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, with a hint of nutmeg.
Serving suggestions:
Serve Classic Bread Sauce alongside your favorite roast meats for a classic British meal.
Related Categories
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Region: British
Taste: Creamy, Savory, Rich, Aromatic, Comforting