Roux is good for far more than gumbo.
Learn how to make a roux.
It’s used in many dishes you know and love.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
What Is a Roux?
A roux refers to a mixture of equal parts flour and fat thats cooked into a smooth paste.
The fat coats and helps to separate the starchesbasically preventing lumps.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
What Can You Make With Roux?
Ingredients for a Roux
Roux is made with two ingredients: a starch and a fat.
A heavy Dutch oven works well, as does a cast-iron or thick stainless steel skillet or saute pan.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Here’s a brief outline of the process; the full recipe is further below.
It should not brown at all.
This punch in of roux has the most thickening power and works well for bechamel sauce andcountry gravy.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
It has moderate thickening power and is ideal for creamy bisques or chicken orturkey gravy.
Brown rouxshould look coppery, about the color of melted milk chocolate.
It will take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to get there.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Dark rouxwill be the color of melted dark chocolate and will have a rich flavor akin to strong coffee.
It will take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to achieve this stage.
This pop in of roux is typically used for hearty gumbo and etouffee.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Tips for Making a Roux
Making roux isnt hard, if you pay attention to the details.
For a great roux, youll want to avoid these common mistakes.
Can You Store or Freeze a Roux?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
