Arteflame Velouté Sauce Recipe

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

1. 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

1. Place a cast-iron skillet or pot on the cooler edge of the Arteflame grill.
2. Melt the butter in the skillet. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth paste.
3. 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

1. Gradually pour the light stock into the roux, a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
2. 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

1. Reduce the heat by moving the skillet back to a cooler zone of the grill.
2. 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

1. Season the Velouté sauce with salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste.
2. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra-smooth texture.
3. 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

1. Mushroom Velouté: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms on the grill and add them to the finished sauce.
2. Herb Velouté: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or chives for a fresh flavor.
3. Lemon Velouté: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist, perfect for seafood.
4. Creamy Velouté: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer sauce.
5. 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.