Bechamel - Basic White Sauce

Description: Make and share this Bechamel - Basic White Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 slice onion, large
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon peppercorn
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• salt
• white pepper

Steps:

1. Scald the milk with the onion, bay leaf and peppercorns.
2. Cover and let infuse off heat for 10-15 minutes.
3. In a heavy based saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour and cook, stirring, until the flour is foaming but not browned- about 1 minute.
4. Off heat, strain in the hot milk.
5. Whisk well, then bring to a boil, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
6. season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and leave to simmer slowly for 1-2 minutes.
7. NOTE: This make what is called a "MEDIUM" Bechamel.
8. For a "THIN" Bechamel use 2 tbs. butter and 2 tbs. flour.
9. For a "THICK" Bechamel use 4 tbs. butter and 4 tbs. flour.