Learn how to make a roux with this easy-to-follow guide! Discover the secrets to creating a smooth and flavourful roux that is perfect for soups, stews and sauces. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cook, this step-by-step tutorial will have you mastering this technique in no time.
Roux is a fundamental ingredient in French and Creole cooking, and it is a key component in many classic dishes such as bechamel sauce and gravy. This simple yet versatile mixture of flour and fat is the foundation for many sauces and soups, adding flavour, thickness and richness. But making a perfect roux can be a bit of a challenge and it requires some patience, practice and attention to detail. In this guide, we will talk you through the process of making a roux step by step, sharing tips and techniques to help you achieve a smooth and delicious result every time
What is a roux?
A roux is a mixture of equal parts of fat, typically butter and flour that is cooked together and used to thicken sauces, soups and stews. The mixture is cooked over low heat until it reaches the desired level of colour and flavour, ranging from white to dark brown, depending on the intended use. The type of roux used in a recipe can have a significant impact on the final flavour and texture of the dish, making it an essential component of many culinary creations.
There are three types of roux:
Light roux
A light roux is a mixture of equal parts of fat, typically butter, and flour that is cooked together until it becomes a pale golden colour. This type of roux is cooked for a relatively short period, typically around 3-5 minutes, over low to medium heat, and it’s commonly used as a thickener for cream-based sauces, such as béchamel sauce, or in lighter soups and gravies.
A light roux has a delicate flavour and a smooth, velvety texture, making it an excellent choice for dishes where a pronounced roux flavour is not desired. Additionally, because it has less cooked flour, it has lower thickening power than darker roux, so it’s best suited for recipes that require a thinner consistency.
It’s essential to stir the roux constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning or developing lumps. Once the desired colour is achieved, the roux is typically removed from the heat and allowed to cool before being added to the recipe. Overall, a light roux is an essential component in many classic French and Creole dishes, adding body, texture, and flavour to a variety of culinary creations.
Brown roux
Brown roux is a mixture of flour and fat that is cooked until it turns a rich, dark brown colour. It is used as a thickening agent in many dishes such as stews, gravies, and sauces.
To make a brown roux, you start by melting fat (usually butter or oil) in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Once the fat has melted, add an equal amount of flour to the pan and stir it constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk until it is fully incorporated into the fat.
The mixture will begin to thicken and darken in colour as it cooks. The longer you cook the roux, the darker it will become, but be careful not to burn it. The ideal colour for a brown roux is a rich chocolate brown, which should take about 6-7 minutes of constant stirring over low heat to achieve.
Once you have achieved the desired colour, you can use the brown roux immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. When you’re ready to use it, simply heat it up and add it to your recipe to thicken and flavour your dish.
Dark roux
Dark roux is a mixture of flour and fat that is cooked until it turns a deep, mahogany colour. It is commonly used as a base for traditional Cajun and Creole dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya.
To make a dark roux, you start by melting fat (usually oil or lard) in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Once the fat has melted, add an equal amount of flour to the pan and stir it constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk until it is fully incorporated into the fat.
As the mixture cooks, it will begin to darken in colour. The longer you cook the roux, the darker it will become, but you need to be careful not to burn it. Achieving a dark roux can take 8-15 minutes, depending on the heat level and how dark you want it to be.
A dark roux has a nutty, slightly bitter flavour that adds depth and richness to dishes. Once you have achieved the desired colour, you can use the dark roux immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. When you’re ready to use it, simply heat it up and add it to your recipe to thicken and flavour your dish.
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After reading this article, have you known what is roux and what are the differences between 3 types of roux? Read it now so you can choose the most suitable roux for your recipe.
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