Béchamel Sauce

Prep: 10 mins
Cooking: 7 to 9 mins
Other:
Total: About 20 mins

Ingredients

Melt the butter gently in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, until blended, 1 minute. Add the paprika and bay leaf.

Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly with a small whisk. Continue to whisk over low heat until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, 4-5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.

Raise the heat to medium and simmer to blend the flavors, 2-3 minutes. Discard the bay leaf before using.

Make about 2 cups.