Roux How-To
Get to know a French recipe starter that's an integral part of rich, saucy dishes
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Even if roux (pronounced “rue”) is not a food term you’re familiar with, chowder, gumbo, soufflé, and mac and cheese probably areand such expressions as béchamel and velouté may ring a bell as well. Rouxequal parts fat and flour cooked togetheris such an important part of these recipes that they simply couldn’t be made without it. From a smooth, basic white sauce (that’s a béchamel) to a robust Cajun stew, the following recipes show all the things a roux can do.
3 Easy Steps
1. Stir together equal parts melted or hot liquid fat (butter, oil, or margarine) and flour in wide-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the roux, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, to desired color (the darker the roux, the deeper the flavor):
WHITE 2 to 4 minutes; add milk for a béchamel (the basic French white sauce) or broth for a velouté (a stock-based light sauce).
BLOND 5 to 8 minutes; used for veloutés and chowders.
BROWN 10 to 15 minutes; used for espagnole sauce and stews.
DARK BROWN 20 to 30 minutes; used for gumbo.
3. Add liquidpreferably warmed to prevent the roux from seizing up. For sauces, cook, stirring constantly, until desired consistency is reached.