To make white sauce pasta without using all-purpose flour (maida), you can use alternative ingredients to thicken the sauce. Here’s a recipe using cornstarch as a substitute:
Ingredients:
- 250 grams of pasta (any shape you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
- 2 cups of milk (preferably whole milk)
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- Optional: minced garlic, chopped onions, chopped mushrooms, diced chicken, or vegetables of your choice for added flavor and texture
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite).
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can drizzle a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the White Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- If you’re using minced garlic or onions, sauté them in the butter or oil until they become translucent and fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold milk to form a slurry, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Pour the remaining milk into the saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated cheese to the saucepan and stir until it’s melted and well incorporated.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the white sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s well coated and heated through.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Once the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce and heated through, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Serve the white sauce pasta hot, garnished with additional grated cheese, chopped parsley, or any other toppings you prefer.
Enjoy your homemade white sauce pasta without using all-purpose flour! Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients for added flavor and texture.