White sauce also goes by the name Béchamel and is considered one of the “mother sauces” in French cuisine. Traditionally it is made with butter, flour, and milk. My version of silky, smooth white sauce is made with refined coconut oil, gluten-free all-purpose flour, and cashew milk, I make the cashew half-and-half version for this sauce.
With this classic sauce back on the table for those of us who are gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan it allows us to make classic comfort dishes such as moussaka or lasagna. White sauce is also the base for Alfredo sauce, white pizza topping and makes a nice pour over steamed vegetables.
Start by melting the refined coconut oil on medium heat in a small thick-bottomed pan. Refined coconut oil means that the coconut flavour has been removed and the result is a neutral tasting cooking oil.
To make the roux, which is the cooking together of fat and flour to make a base for a thickened sauce, whisk in gluten-free all-purpose flour slowly to avoid lumps. Lower heat and keep whisking for a couple of minutes as the fat and flour combine. Add the cashew milk gradually while whisking to incorporate, the sauce will thicken quickly as it comes to a boil. Add salt and dried parsley as both flavour and nutrient boost. Keep whisking, lower heat as needed and let simmer for another minute or two. Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
It only takes minutes to whisk up a batch of vegan and gluten-free Béchamel white sauce. The sauce can be made up to one day ahead and reheated on low heat while whisking.
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Vegan Gluten-Free White Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
Description
This basic white sauce is gluten free and vegan and is a star in many classic comfort dishes that rely on a creamy texture. Neutral tasting cashew milk is perfect for this recipe. I like to make the half-and-half version of cashew milk since it is creamier. The recipe is easy to remember since it’s 3:3:3 for the oil, flour and cashew milk.
Most of the time I use refined coconut oil for the roux. Other fats that can be used are avocado oil, or chicken fat that has risen to the top of chicken stock or bone broth.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp refined coconut oil
- 3 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 3 cups cashew milk “half-and-half”
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Melt fat in a thick-bottomed pot on medium heat, add flour slowly and whisk to avoid lumps. Reduce heat and let cook together for 2-3 minutes while whisking continuously, being careful not to burn.
- Add cashew milk gradually while whisking, the sauce will thicken quickly as it comes to a boil. Add salt and crumble in dried parsley. Keep whisking for another minute or two. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Use this sauce in classic dishes such as lasagna or moussaka.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: sauce
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Gluten-free creamy white sauce, creamy vegan white sauce
Hello, what brand or blend of GF flour do you use here? Some of them contain gums and other things that would probably make this off (I find them slimy in sauces). I also find it hard to find ones that don’t have added gums etc. Have you ever tried a single starch such as tapioca or arrowroot in this? I’m doubling the recipe and I don’t want to make a wrong move and have to throw out 2 cups of organic raw cashews and other ingredients so thanks for your input! I saw you answered my other comment so I’m hoping you get this soon. Thanks and God Bless.
Hi, I often use Purest brand All Purpose Flour, it has no gums. The ingredients are brown rice flour, white rice flour, and potato starch. If you want to go singe ingredient you can try white rice flour. I have not tried tapioca or arrowroot flour in this, but tapioca may work. Chickpea flour may also work, although the sauce may not be as white. Hope this helps!