Why do creamed sauces often contain nutmeg?
Many recipes for creamed spinach to cream of broccoli soup contain nutmeg. Why does this spice compliment such sauces so well?
Best Answer
Nutmeg provides an exotic/interesting note to cream and milk based sauces. These sauces are often based on flour, butter and dairy, so besides the potential caramelization flavors from cooking the butter and flour (which can be delicious on their own) there are few other flavor components, say, as compared to a pan sauce. A grating of nutmeg can create interest. Not all dairy based sauces use nutmeg. It is traditional in some cuisines, and not in others. Why particular flavors compliment one another is an interesting and complex question. It might have to do with the molecular structure of ingredients.
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Quick Answer about "Why do creamed sauces often contain nutmeg?"
Usually a supporting character, nutmeg makes the lead actor look good. It has such a strong, dominating flavor that it is best used sparingly. Nutmeg provides the secret ingredient in fettuccine Alfredo or any cream sauce, and it gives an extra nip that elevates the taste of eggnog.What does nutmeg do in cream sauce?
It adds an elusive flavor that most people feel enhances the creamy flavors. Yep, the purpose is simply to taste good. I highly recommend using freshly grated nutmeg, it is much more vibrant and aromatic.Why do you put nutmeg in white sauce?
It's not a flavor you should necessarily be able to pick out if you didn't already know it was there, but nutmeg lends this otherwise kind of one-note sauce a considerable amount of warmth, spice, and complexity. It's like putting a coat on over your favorite sweater. The whole situation gets cozier. And that's it!Does béchamel have to have nutmeg?
Milk \u2013 Use your preference, dairy or non dairy. Seasoning \u2013 one thing that bechamel sauce cannot go without \u2013 nutmeg and salt.What foods go well with nutmeg?
Nutmeg Sweet, bitter cabbage, carrots, chicken, eggs, fish, lamb, onion, potato, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, ginger, thyme Nutmeg is best bought whole and ground as needed.Three Ingredients You Should Never Add to Your Coffee
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