Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
4. Cook the flour mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
6. Add the red wine, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
8. Remove the bay leaves and season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 4 cups of sauce
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken broth can be used instead of beef broth.
- White wine can be used instead of red wine.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms to the sauce for a richer flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Whisk the flour mixture constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
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 heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sauce over steak, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the sauce for a pop of color.
Pairings:
This sauce pairs well with beef, pork, or chicken.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the sauce with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Brown sauce, also known as espagnole sauce, is one of the five mother sauces of French cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
This sauce has a rich, savory flavor with hints of onion, garlic, and thyme.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sauce in a gravy boat or pour it directly over the food.
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