How to Make Espagnole Sauce

Makes: 200-300ml

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 3 hours

Ingredients

Espagnole Sauce

• 2 celery sticks, chopped small

• 2 carrots, chopped small

• 1 medium onion, diced small

• 2 tbsp tomato puree

• A few sprigs of thyme and parsley

• 2 large rashers of bacon, cut into lardons

• 50g unsalted butter

• 50g all-purpose flour

• 1L beef stock

  
  

Steps

1. Sweat the Bacon

   Start by sweating down your bacon in a little butter for about 5 minutes in a large, deep saucepan. This will give your sauce a lovely, smoky flavor.

   
   

2. Add the Onions

   Next, toss in the diced onions. Sweat them down for 7-8 minutes until they're soft and fragrant.

   
   

3. Incorporate the Veggies

   Now, add the rest of your chopped vegetables. Cook them for about 5 minutes. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your sauce.

   
   

4. Tomato Paste Time

   Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 3-5 minutes. This will enhance the sauce's richness.

   
   

5. Make the Roux

   Add the remaining butter and then sprinkle in the flour. Cook this roux for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly. This is crucial for thickening your sauce.

   
   

6. Deglaze and Simmer

   Slowly pour in the beef stock while scraping the bottom of the pan. This will lift all those delicious bits stuck to the bottom. Add your herbs and bring the sauce to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for up to 3 hours. Remember to skim off any fat and scum that rises to the surface. The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon. For a visual guide, check out the video linked above.

   
   

7. Strain the Sauce

   Pass the sauce through a sieve and gently press with the back of a spoon. Be careful not to force the vegetables through, as this will make your sauce cloudy.

   
   

8. Final Touches

   Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and voilà! Your Espagnole sauce is ready to enjoy.

   
   

Why Espagnole Sauce is a Must-Try

Espagnole sauce, often referred to as one of the mother sauces, is a classic that every home cook should master. It serves as a base for many other sauces and dishes. Plus, once you get the hang of it, you can customize it to suit your taste.

Tips for Success

• Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. They make a world of difference in flavor.

• Patience is Key: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more developed the flavors will be. Don’t rush this step!

• Experiment: Feel free to play around with herbs and spices. You might find a combination you love even more.

  
  

Pairing Suggestions

This rich sauce pairs beautifully with meats like beef or lamb. It can also elevate vegetables and pasta dishes. Just imagine drizzling it over a perfectly cooked steak or tossing it with roasted veggies. Yum!

Conclusion

Making Espagnole sauce might seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you'll be whipping it up like a pro. So grab your ingredients and get cooking!

If you're looking for more delicious recipes, check out my other posts. Happy cooking!

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