Béchamelis a basic cream sauce used in French cuisine that is typically prepared by making a roux by whisking butter and flour together over low heat and then adding milk or heavy cream, salt and pepper. Some traditional recipes will also sauté a combination of onions, carrots and celery before adding the butter, flour and milk, while others just use the sauce as is as a simple savory cream sauce for serving with vegetables, fish, meat and grain dishes. This dairy-free version is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up with spices, herbs, or vegetables.

Makes 2 cups