Delia Smith Bread Sauce

Delve into the world of traditional British cuisine with Delia Smith's Bread Sauce, a staple accompaniment that elevates any roast dinner to a festive celebration. This quintessentially British sauce, known for its creamy texture and subtle spicing, has been a favorite for generations. Let's explore the recipe, its cultural significance, and how to make it your own.

Brief Description of Delia Smith's Bread Sauce This sauce is characterized by its rich, creamy texture, derived from a base of milk infused with onion, cloves, and a bay leaf, thickened with breadcrumbs, and enriched with butter and cream. The key to its unique flavor is the infusion process, which allows the spices to impart a gentle warmth and depth to the sauce.

Cultural or Historical Context Bread sauce is a classic British condiment, dating back to medieval times. It's traditionally served with poultry or game, making it a staple for holiday feasts like Christmas dinner. Delia Smith, a renowned British cook and author, has popularized this sauce with her straightforward, no-nonsense approach to traditional British cooking.

Ingredients for Delia Smith's Bread Sauce

• Fresh white breadcrumbs (4 oz)
• A large onion
• Freshly milled black pepper
• Whole cloves (15-18) or freshly grated nutmeg
• Butter (2 oz)
• A bay leaf
• Black peppercorns (8)
• Creamy milk (1 pint)
• Double cream (2 tablespoons)
• Salt, to taste

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by halving an onion and studding it with cloves or sprinkling it with nutmeg for an aromatic infusion.
2. Place the onion halves, a bay leaf, and peppercorns in a saucepan with milk, heating until just before boiling, then let it infuse for an hour or more.
3. Strain the infused milk, then gently reheat it.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and mix in the breadcrumbs until buttery.
5. Gradually add the infused milk to the breadcrumbs, stirring until creamy.
6. Stir in double cream, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Storage and Reheating To store, cool the sauce completely and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little milk or cream to adjust the consistency.

Nutritional Information Per serving, this bread sauce contains approximately:

• Calories: 191 kcal
• Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 6 g

FAQ about Delia Smith's Bread Sauce

• Can I use pre-made breadcrumbs? Yes, but freshly made breadcrumbs from a two-day-old loaf provide superior texture and flavor.
• What can substitute for cloves or nutmeg? A pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg can be used, but start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Can this sauce be made in advance? Yes, prepare a day ahead and reheat before serving, storing it in the refrigerator.

Delia Smith's Bread Sauce is more than just a condiment; it's a celebration of British culinary heritage, bringing comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table. Its simplicity, rooted in the quality of ingredients and the love of tradition, makes it a timeless addition to any festive meal.

Original recipe by Delia Smith.

For more detailed instructions and additional tips, please visit Delia Online​​and Foodelity​​.