Go Back
Delia Smith All-in-One White Sauce Recipe

Delia Smith All-in-One White Sauce Recipe

Delia Smith's all-in-one white sauce recipe skips the traditional roux entirely — just whisk everything together in one pan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 accompaniment
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: British
Calories: 75
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 25 g unsalted butter
  • 25 g plain flour
  • 300 ml milk
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg optional

Method
 

  1. Put the butter, flour and milk together in a saucepan.
  2. Heat gently, whisking constantly.
  3. Continue whisking as the mixture warms and starts to come together.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking, until smooth and thickened (5–7 minutes).
  5. Simmer for a further 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  6. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg, if using.
  7. Use immediately or keep warm over very low heat, whisking occasionally.

Notes

Continuous whisking from the start is the only real rule with this method.
Use a balloon whisk rather than a spoon for the smoothest result.
Small lumps will usually smooth out with continued whisking as the sauce heats.
Loosen a too-thick sauce with a splash more milk over low heat.
Add grated cheese off the heat, once thickened, for a smooth cheese sauce.