Savory Herb and Cheese Cream Sauce
This creamy, herb-infused sauce is a delightful addition to various pasta dishes and pairs beautifully with meats. The recipe features rich mozzarella cheese that melts into a smooth blend with a hint of white wine and sour cream. Although traditional chervil is the star of the show, feel free to substitute with fresh sage, as I discovered in my experiment – it adds a delightful depth of flavor. Perfect for elevating your gnocchi or tortellini, this sauce will surely impress your guests or family alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (peeled and finely chopped)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
plain flour
1 tablespoon (no preparation needed)
vegetable stock
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
dry white wine
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
sour cream
1 cup (no preparation needed)
salt
to taste (no preparation needed)
pepper
to taste (no preparation needed)
grated nutmeg
1 pinch (no preparation needed)
mozzarella cheese
7 ounces (cut into small cubes)
chervil
1 small bunch (washed and coarsely chopped)
egg yolk
1 (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions if serving this sauce with pasta.
2
Peel and finely chop the onion.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4
Stir in the plain flour and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
5
Gradually add the vegetable stock while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6
Add the dry white wine and sour cream to the saucepan, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes.
7
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of grated nutmeg, adjusting to taste.
8
Incorporate the mozzarella cheese cubes into the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
9
Gently stir in the chopped chervil (or your chosen herb) for a fresh burst of flavor.
10
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with a couple of tablespoons of the sauce, then blend this mixture back into the main sauce to create a rich and glossy finish.
11
Finally, fold in the cooked pasta of your choice, ensuring every piece is well coated with the luscious sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Herb and Cheese Cream Sauce?
This is a creamy, herb-infused sauce made with mozzarella cheese, white wine, and sour cream, perfect for pasta or meat dishes.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include onion, butter, flour, vegetable stock, dry white wine, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, chervil, and an egg yolk.
What type of herb is traditionally used in this sauce?
Traditional chervil is the primary herb used for this recipe.
Can I substitute chervil with another herb?
Yes, fresh sage is an excellent substitute that adds a delightful depth of flavor.
What type of cheese is best for this sauce?
The recipe calls for mozzarella cheese cubes because they melt into a smooth, rich blend.
Does this sauce contain alcohol?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of dry white wine to enhance the flavor profile.
What can I use as a substitute for white wine?
You can use additional vegetable stock or a splash of white wine vinegar mixed with water if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
How do I prevent lumps from forming in the sauce?
Gradually add the vegetable stock to the flour and butter mixture while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
Why is flour used in this recipe?
The flour is stirred into melted butter to create a roux, which acts as the thickening agent for the sauce.
What is the purpose of the egg yolk?
The egg yolk is used at the end to create a rich and glossy finish for the sauce.
How do I add the egg yolk without curdling it?
Beat the egg yolk with a few tablespoons of the warm sauce in a separate bowl before blending it back into the main saucepan.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this sauce is vegetarian as it uses vegetable stock and dairy products.
How should I prepare the onion for this sauce?
The onion should be peeled and finely chopped before being sautéed in butter.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a pinch of grated nutmeg.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
You will need 7 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
Should the mozzarella be shredded?
The recipe recommends cutting the mozzarella into small cubes for better melting.
What kind of pasta works best with this cream sauce?
This sauce is perfect for elevating gnocchi or tortellini, though it works with most pasta varieties.
Can I serve this sauce with meat?
Yes, it pairs beautifully with various meats in addition to pasta.
What if the sauce is too thick?
You can thin the sauce by adding a small amount of extra vegetable stock or wine until you reach the desired consistency.
What if the sauce is too thin?
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes over low heat to reduce and thicken.
Can I use heavy cream instead of sour cream?
Yes, heavy cream can be used, though the sauce will lose the slight tang provided by the sour cream.
How should I store leftover sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as the sour cream and egg yolk may separate or change texture upon thawing.
How do I reheat the sauce?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains plain flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.
At what point should I add the herbs?
Gently stir in the chopped chervil or sage near the end of the process for a fresh burst of flavor.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the onion in butter until it becomes translucent before adding the flour.
What type of vegetable stock should I use?
Any standard vegetable stock or broth will work well for this recipe.
Can I add vegetables to this sauce?
Yes, adding peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms would complement the flavors of the herb and cheese sauce.
How do I achieve a glossy finish?
The combination of butter, melted mozzarella, and the tempered egg yolk ensures a rich and glossy finish.