How To Make The Bechamel Sauce Smooth And Creamy?
To make a smooth and creamy béchamel sauce, follow these tips:
- Use cold milk: This helps to prevent lumps from forming when you add it to the roux (a mixture of butter and flour).
- Whisk continuously: When adding the milk to the roux, whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a whisk: Use a whisk instead of a spoon or spatula to mix the sauce. This will help make the sauce lighter and smoother.
- Cook the sauce long enough: Cook the sauce for at least 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This will ensure the flour is fully cooked and the sauce is smooth.
- Strain the sauce: If you still have lumps in your sauce, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove them.
How To Serve Spinach Gratin?
Spinach gratin is a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Serve spinach with béchamel sauce alongside roasted or grilled steak, chicken, or fish. It's also great with baked potatoes, rice, or other grains.
Creamed spinach gratin dishes can be served as part of a brunch, alongside quiches, frittatas, and other egg dishes. For a vegetarian meal, you can serve it with a hearty salad or roasted vegetables. Use spinach with béchamel sauce as a filling for savory pies or quiches. It can also be served as a dip for crackers, chips, or vegetables.
Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Spinach Gratin:
How To Store Spinach with Bechamel Sauce?
Spinach with béchamel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored properly.
- Allow the spinach gratin to cool to room temperature before storing it.
- Transfer the spinach and béchamel sauce to an airtight container or a covered bowl.
- Place the covered gratin in the refrigerator and store it for up to 3-4 days.
Can Spinach Gratin Be Frozen?
Yes, spinach gratin can be frozen for later consumption. However, the texture of the dish may change slightly after being frozen and thawed.To freeze spinach gratin, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the gratin in the refrigerator overnight. Then bake it in the oven until it is heated through and the top is golden brown and crispy.The texture of the gratin may change slightly after being stored, but it will still be delicious.
How To Reheat Spinach Gratin?
You can reheat spinach with béchamel sauce in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop.
- Take the spinach with béchamel sauce out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Transfer the spinach and béchamel sauce to a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan.
- If the sauce has thickened too much upon refrigeration, you can add a little milk or cream to thin it out.
- If reheating in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Cover the gratin with foil to prevent the top from burning, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the gratin for 20-25 minutes, or until it is heated through and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- If reheating in the microwave, cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent splattering. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway through.
- If reheating on the stovetop, place the saucepan over low heat and stir the spinach with the bechamel sauce constantly until heated through.
- Once heated through, remove the spinach with the béchamel sauce from the heat and serve immediately.
Make sure that the spinach with béchamel sauce is heated to an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) before serving. Also, do not overheat the dish. This can cause the sauce to become grainy and the spinach to become mushy.
