A delightful and versatile white sauce with a hint of paprika, perfect for enhancing various dishes.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
Use low heat to prevent the butter from browning, which could alter the sauce's flavor.
Add the flour to the melted butter and stir continuously to form a smooth paste.
Stirring constantly ensures the flour cooks evenly without forming lumps.
Cook the butter-flour mixture for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Cooking the mixture properly is key to achieving a rich and flavorful sauce.
Gradually add the milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency.
Adding the milk slowly prevents lumps and helps achieve a creamy texture.
Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more milk to adjust.
Season the sauce with paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed for a balanced flavor.
Serve the sauce warm over your favorite dishes or use it as a base for other recipes.
This sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta, vegetables, or as a base for casseroles.