veloute sauce recipe
The Best veloute sauce recipe
I also appreciate how versatile it is. It’s not just for special occasions; it’s the kind of sauce you can toss into a quick weeknight dinner or serve alongside a hearty pasta dish. And honestly, it’s surprisingly healthy for how indulgent it feels. With just a few pantry staples—vegetable broth, butter, and a touch of flour—it’s a way to add flavor without a lot of extra calories. My family loves it because it’s comforting yet light, and it makes even simple sides feel like a meal. Plus, it’s the kind of sauce that’s easy to double or freeze, so you always have a backup for when life gets busy.

Classic Velouté Sauce with Garlic
A smooth, velvety velouté sauce made with a roux base and finished with tomato sauce and garlic for depth. Perfect for pairing with roasted vegetables, meats, or mashed potatoes.
🥘Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until the roux turns a light golden brown. -
2
Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens. -
3
Remove from heat and stir in the tomato sauce, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
4
Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Discard the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
🔧Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine-mesh strainer
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Classic Velouté Sauce with Garlic Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Velouté Sauce with Garlic
How do I adjust the consistency of velouté sauce for thicker or thinner texture?
You can adjust the consistency by simmering the sauce longer to evaporate liquid or adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) to thicken it. For a thinner sauce, reduce the simmering time or add a splash of broth.
Can I use chicken stock instead of veal stock for a vegetarian velouté?
Absolutely. Substitute vegetable stock for veal stock in equal amounts. The flavor will be slightly different, but the texture and method remain the same.
What if I don’t have a roux, and I want to make velouté?
A roux is traditional for velouté, but you can use a small amount of cold butter or oil to coat the pan before adding the stock. This helps emulsify the sauce and mimics the base of a roux. Simmer gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
How long should I simmer the velouté sauce?
Simmer the sauce for about 10–15 minutes after adding the stock, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Over-simmering can make it too thin, so keep an eye on it.
Can I make velouté ahead of time, and how do I store it?
Yes, velouté sauce tastes even better the next day. Cool it in a shallow container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth—avoid boiling to prevent separation.
