Introduction
Velouté sauce is a French classic known for its smooth, creamy texture. On the Arteflame grill, this versatile sauce gains a subtle smoky depth from the open fire, making it a perfect base for grilled dishes like poultry, seafood, or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups light stock (chicken, fish, or vegetable stock)
- Salt and freshly ground white pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Start by lighting your Arteflame grill with vegetable oil-soaked napkins placed under firewood. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is warm and ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
- Place a cast-iron skillet or pot on the cooler edge of the Arteflame grill.
- Melt the butter in the skillet. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth paste.
- Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it develops a light, golden hue. Avoid letting it brown, as Velouté sauce requires a pale roux.
Step 3: Add the Stock
- Gradually pour the light stock into the roux, a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Once all the stock is added, move the skillet to a warmer zone on the cooktop and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
- Reduce the heat by moving the skillet back to a cooler zone of the grill.
- Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a silky consistency. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Season the Velouté sauce with salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste.
- Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra-smooth texture.
- Serve immediately as a base for your grilled dishes, such as poultry, fish, or vegetables.
Tips
- Stock Selection: Use chicken stock for poultry dishes, fish stock for seafood, or vegetable stock for vegetarian recipes.
- Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more stock if it becomes too thick during simmering.
- Flavor Boost: Add herbs like thyme or bay leaves to the stock while simmering for an aromatic touch.
Variations
- Mushroom Velouté: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms on the grill and add them to the finished sauce.
- Herb Velouté: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or chives for a fresh flavor.
- Lemon Velouté: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist, perfect for seafood.
- Creamy Velouté: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Garlic Velouté: Roast garlic on the Arteflame and blend it into the sauce for a bold, smoky flavor.
Pairings
- Grilled Chicken: Use the Velouté as a sauce base for grilled chicken breasts or thighs.
- Seafood: Drizzle over grilled fish or shellfish for an elegant touch.
- Vegetables: Pair with roasted or grilled asparagus, broccoli, or carrots.
Conclusion
Making Velouté sauce on the Arteflame grill adds a unique smoky twist to this French classic, elevating its flavor while maintaining its creamy texture. Use this versatile sauce to enhance your favorite grilled dishes.
