HERB BECHAMEL SAUCE

HERB BECHAMEL SAUCE image

Categories Herb

Number Of Ingredients 9

2-1/2 cups milk (I used 1%)
1 Tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 bay leaf
pinch ground pepper
4 branches fresh thyme or a pinch of dried thyme
2 Tablespoons finely chopped parsely
2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons flour
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Steps:

Combine the milk, onion and herbs in a saucepan and slowly bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to lowest point and cook for about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it set until you need it. Then strain it--or not, if you prefer. There should be about 2 cups. Melt the butter and stir in the flour and cook over medium low heat about 1 minute. Whisk in the warm milk all at once and stir in cream, if you're using it. Season with salt and cook over lowest heat for about 20 minutes, stirring often.