In the world of cooking, sauces play a pivotal role in elevating the flavors of various dishes. One such classic sauce is hollandaise sauce, which is traditionally made with egg yolks. However, if you're looking for an alternative or have dietary restrictions, our eggless hollandaise sauce is the perfect solution. This mock hollandaise sauce can be used to top a variety of foods, including vegetables, roasted chicken, or eggs Benedict. And the best part? It's pretty much foolproof!
Let's start by gathering the ingredients needed for this delicious eggless hollandaise sauce. You'll need some key components that will come together to create a rich and creamy sauce. First, you'll need a base that provides the smooth texture. A common choice is a combination of plant - based milk and cornstarch. The plant - based milk can be soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk, depending on your preference. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce its desired consistency.
Next, you'll want to add some flavor. Lemon juice is a must - have as it adds a bright and tangy note to the sauce, similar to the traditional hollandaise. A bit of Dijon mustard also goes a long way in enhancing the flavor profile. It adds a subtle spiciness and depth. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, and you can adjust the amounts according to your taste.
Now, let's move on to the cooking process. In a small saucepan, combine the plant - based milk and cornstarch. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps. This step is crucial as lumps can ruin the smooth texture of the sauce. Place the saucepan over medium - low heat and continue to whisk constantly. As the mixture heats up, it will start to thicken gradually. This is where your patience comes in handy. Keep whisking to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
Once the mixture has thickened to a consistency similar to that of a thin custard, it's time to add the other ingredients. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir it well. The lemon juice will not only add flavor but also help to brighten up the color of the sauce. Then, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the flavors are well - combined.
If you find that the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more plant - based milk to thin it out. On the other hand, if it's too thin, you can continue to cook it over low heat for a few more minutes while whisking constantly until it reaches the desired thickness. Remember, the key is to keep whisking throughout the process to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.
Now that your eggless hollandaise sauce is ready, it's time to put it to use. For vegetables, you can simply drizzle the sauce over steamed or roasted vegetables. The rich and creamy sauce will complement the natural flavors of the vegetables, making them even more delicious. For example, try it on asparagus. The tender asparagus spears paired with the tangy and creamy hollandaise sauce create a mouth - watering combination.
When it comes to roasted chicken, the eggless hollandaise sauce can take it to the next level. After roasting the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken and top each slice with a generous spoonful of the sauce. The sauce will add a luxurious touch to the chicken, making it a more indulgent meal.
And of course, eggs Benedict is a classic dish that is often associated with hollandaise sauce. To make eggless eggs Benedict, start by toasting an English muffin. Poach an egg and place it on top of the toasted muffin half. Then, spoon the eggless hollandaise sauce over the egg. You can also add a slice of Canadian bacon or ham for an extra layer of flavor. The combination of the soft poached egg, crispy muffin, and creamy sauce is simply divine.
In conclusion, learning how to make this eggless hollandaise sauce is a great addition to your cooking repertoire. It's a versatile sauce that can be used in many different ways, and it's easy to make even for novice cooks. So, the next time you're looking to add a special touch to your meals, give this mock hollandaise sauce a try. You won't be disappointed!
