Bread sauce is a traditional British condiment made from bread crumbs, milk, butter, and spices. It is typically served with roast poultry or game and is a staple of Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. The sauce is rich and creamy, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of nutmeg. It is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a perfect addition to any holiday feast.
Delia Smith, one of the UK’s most beloved and respected cooks, has created her recipe for this classic sauce. Her version is rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of spices that complement the natural flavors of the poultry or game. This recipe is easy to follow and is sure to impress your guests. Delia Smith’s bread sauce is a must-try for any traditional British meal.
Delia Smith Bread Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 oz (110 g) freshly made white breadcrumbs
- 1 large onion
- 2 oz (50 g) butter
- 2 tablespoons double cream
- Salt and black pepper
- 15-18 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 black peppercorns
- 1 pint (570 ml) breakfast milk
Procedure
- In the first step, begin by chopping the onion from the middle and adhere the cloves to it. Also, it is your own choice how much you want to utilize it. In case you do not like the taste of onions, you can ignore them completely.
- However, in place of onions, you can utilize some newly ground nutmeg for it. Now, put the onions covered with cloves, in addition to the peppercorns and the bay leaf, in a dish along with the milk.
- In the next step, put some salt into it and then wait till it starts to boil properly. Turn off the intensity and cover the plan. Now, let it stay in a hot spot so that the milk gets mixed properly for around 2 hours.
- At the point when you are prepared to make its sauce, simply eliminate the onion, peppercorns, and bay leaf from it and let them stay on 1 side. Now, take some milk and mix the breadcrumbs into it. Also, add one oz or twenty-five grams of butter to it.
- Let the pan stay on an exceptionally low intensity, mixing from time to time, till all the breadcrumbs have become larger and thickened the sauce for around fifteen minutes.
- After that, you need to supplant the onion covered with cloves, peppercorns, and the bay leaf, and once more let the pan stay in a warm spot till the sauce is required.
- At the point when you are ready to serve it in front of your family or guests, simply eliminate the spices and onions from it.
- Warm tenderly then beat in the excess cream and butter. Also, before finally serving it, you can taste it to know about its flavors. Fill it into a hot serving container.
Serving Suggestions
Bread sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with various roasted meats. It is most commonly served with turkey or chicken, but you can enjoy it with roast beef, pork, or game meats. Used as a topping for a savory bread pudding or as a filling for a pastry is also an option.
Here are a few serving suggestions for bread sauce:
- Serve it alongside a roasted turkey or chicken for a traditional Christmas or Thanksgiving meal.
- Spread it on a savory bread pudding made with leftover bread and meat.
- Use it as a filling for a pastry, such as a chicken and bread sauce pie.
- Serve it as a side dish with roast beef or pork.
- Use it as a topping for a shepherd’s pie or meatloaf.
- Spread it on a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you add other ingredients to the bread sauce?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients to the bread sauce to customize it to your liking. For example, you can add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of grated nutmeg for a richer sauce. You can also add a pinch of ground cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for a more flavorful sauce.
Q: Can bread sauce be served with other meats besides poultry?
A: Yes, bread sauce can be enjoyed with a variety of roasted meats, including beef, pork, or game meats. It can also be used as a topping for a savory bread pudding or as a filling for a pastry.
Q: Is bread sauce suitable for vegetarians?
A: Bread sauce is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain meat or meat-based products. However, it is essential to check the ingredients used in the recipe as some butter brands may contain animal by-products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delia Smith’s bread sauce recipe is a traditional and delicious addition to any roast dinner. Combining breadcrumbs, milk, butter, and spices creates a creamy and comforting sauce that pairs perfectly with meats such as turkey or chicken.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. Adding nutmeg and cloves adds a unique and aromatic flavor while using breadcrumbs instead of flour thickens the sauce without adding any gluten. Overall, Delia Smith’s bread sauce is a classic British dish that adds a touch of warmth and comfort to any meal.
