A rich and flavorful classic white sauce made simple, full of flavor, and oil-free. An ideal choice for topping lasagna, fresh pasta, plant-based meatballs, moussaka, vegetables, baked or steamed potatoes, casserole dishes, buddha bowls, fresh biscuits, and more!
3TbspUmami Vegetable Brothor water or vegan butter
⅓cupflour*
3cupsunflavored unsweetened non-dairy milk**
1bay leaf
pinchof ground nutmeg
¼tspwhite or black pepper***
salt to tasteoptional
2Tbspnutritional yeast
Instructions
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, sauté the onions and garlic in 3 Tbsp vegetable broth over low heat (I use setting 2), adding in a little vegetable stock or butter to prevent them from drying out or sticking, until the onions begin to caramelize, about 15-20 minutes.
Whisk the flour into the caramelized onions, and continue whisking for about a minute; then slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until each addition is fully incorporated and the sauce very smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer on a low boil, about 5-10 minutes.
Stir in the bay leaf, pepper, and nutmeg, stirring occasionally until it begins to simmer, about 10 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Whisk in the nutritional yeast and salt, if using. Remove from the heat.
Taste and adjust seasonings to taste.
If making ahead for later use, pour a thin layer of milk over the sauce and store covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. (The milk will help prevent a skin from forming on top of the sauce.)
Notes
* I use white whole wheat flour, but you may substitute almost any flour, including a high-quality gluten-free flour baking blend, if needed. ** This is a basic white sauce. You really should use an unflavored unsweetened non-dairy plant milk. If you want a creamier milk, you can use coconut milk or oat milk. You can also make your own. For inspiration, try my Oat +Nut Milk. *** Ground white pepper is fantastic in this white sauce, though you can use ground pepper just as well though it may detract from the look of this white sauce.Add in ½ -1 cup plant-based cheese, if desired.
Keyword Béchamel, oil-free, plant-based, sauce, vegan, white sauce, whole grain