How To Make A Roux Food

BASIC ROUX

Steps:

• To make a basic roux start by measuring, by weight, the amounts of fat and flour desired.
• It's a one to one ratio (e. g. 4 ounces of fat and 4 ounces of flour equal 8 ounces of roux).
• Butter is the most commonly used form of fat.
• Melt the butter over medium heat, careful not to start browning it, then slowly add the flour to the butter, whisking constantly.
• Within 2 to 3 minutes the roux will have a consistency of a cake frosting.
• Both fat and flour have various levels of moisture content and the possible choices of fat and flour that can be used are many.
• For example, butter contains a small amount of water.
• However, bacon fat, which has been perfectly rendered, contains no water.
• Within these variables there are varying levels of consistencies.
• If your roux is too thin, add a small amount of flour.
• If it is too thick, add a small amount of fat to thin it out.
• When cooking with a roux, be sure to add only cool liquids or ingredients to a hot roux, or vice versa.
• As you incorporate the liquid into your roux, be sure to whisk frequently and add the ingredients slowly.
• Then heat the entire mixture until it comes to a simmer.
• This process will keep the roux from creating lumps.
• Once all of the liquid has been added to the roux, cook the sauce or soup for at least 20 minutes, otherwise your finished product may have a granular or gummy texture.

WHITE ROUX

Steps:

• Heat fat or over medium high heat. Add flour all at once whisking vigorously. When mixture thins and starts to bubble, reduce heat to low and cut back on the whisking. Cook until you smell a toasty aroma then cook 2 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
• Roux can be used immediately to thicken a liquid that is at or below room temperature. To thicken a hot liquid, allow roux to cool to room temperature, or refrigerate.
• Tightly wrapped, roux can be refrigerated for up to a month. Simply break off pieces and use as needed.

ROUX FOR CAJUN DISHES THE EASY, FAT-FREE WAY

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400F.
• Place flour and spread evenly in a large diameter cast iron skillet or other oven-safe, heavy pan
• Place in the center of the preheated oven.
• Bake for 60 to 70 minutes stirring every 15 minutes at first (I use a wisk or flat spatula).
• After color develops on the flour, stir every 10 minutes or more often if near the end of the cook.
• For a dark roux, the flour will be a dar tan. To judge color as you would with an oil-based roux, place a very small amount of browned flour in a few drops of water and press with the back of a spoon. The sample will be the color of the roux when added to a dish and for the time given will be a mahogony color.