Food & Cooking Recipes Quick & Easy Recipes Basic Bechamel Sauce 3.2 (44) 1 Review By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 16, 2017 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Yield: 5 cups Use this basic bechamel sauce to make our Rich Chicken and Squash Lasagna, Rich Beef and Eggplant Lasagna, Rich Artichoke and Mushroom Lasagna, or our Rich Spinach and Leek Lasagna. Ingredients 5 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 small yellow onion, diced small 2 garlic cloves, chopped ⅓ cup all-purpose flour Coarse salt 4 ½ cups whole milk Directions In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is soft, 4 minutes. Add flour, season with salt, and cook, stirring, until mixture is pale golden with a nutty aroma, 4 minutes. Whisking constantly, add half the milk. Add the remaining milk and whisk until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until sauce comes to a boil and thickens, 10 minutes. Use immediately. Cook's Notes To store, press plastic wrap on the surface and let cool. Refrigerate in an airtight container, up to 5 days. Rate it Print