But… it’s kind of intimidating, isn’t it? Not anymore! The traditional method requires careful attention, constant stirring. Then, there’s the new blender method, which anyone can master in no time. In this post, we’re going to teach you both. So, if you’re feeling like a fancy French chef, go for it! But if you just want an amazingly flavorful sauce without the stress, we’ve got you covered as well! Hollandaise sauce, or “Dutch sauce”, has been a part of French cuisine for centuries. The first recipe was documented in 1651. In the traditional preparation, beaten egg yolks are combined with butter, lemon juice, salt, and water, and are very gradually heated, to prevent the eggs from curdling. Hollandaise is considered one of the five mother sauces of French cuisine, meaning all other sauces (daughter sauces) are derivatives of the original five. Along with hollandaise, the others are:
Ingredients for Hollandaise Sauce
Egg YolksWaterLemon JuiceCayenne PepperSaltButter
How to Make Hollandaise Sauce
Traditional Method
Combine all ingredients except butter in a small pan and whisk together. Cut room temperature butter into small pieces and add in with other ingredients. Warm over medium-low heat, continuously whisk the mixture. After the butter melts, the mixture will get a little frothy. Gradually, the sauce will thicken as the yolk cooks. Whisk continuously to avoid clumping. Once the sauce has thickened to a gravy-like consistency, immediately remove from heat. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
Easy Blender Method
Heat the butter in the microwave or on stovetop. It needs to be hot, not just melted. Add the egg yolks, water, lemon juice, salt and cayenne pepper into a blender. Blend for a few seconds until combined. With the blender running on medium high, and the plug removed from the lid, slowly drizzle hot butter into the mixture.
Is the Traditional Method Better Than the Blender Method?
We’ve tried both and have found no difference. Surely a classically trained French chef will deride the blender method, but try them both for yourself and let me know your verdict.
How to Use Hollandaise Sauce
It’s a requirement for eggs benedict. Head ups… our next post is an amazing benedict variation from New Orleans, Eggs Cochon! Hollandaise sauce is a beautiful topping for steamed veggies. In particular, think asparagus, artichokes or green beans. Try it with seafood, especially white fish, crab or lobster. Use it as a steak sauce. One of the “daughter sauces” of hollandaise is Béarnaise, which is the traditional French steak sauce.
How to Warm Leftover Hollandaise Sauce
You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, but care must be taken while reheating, to avoid the eggs curdling. We’ve found the best method to reheat hollandaise sauce is to submerge the container in hot tap water. Leave for 10 minutes, then stir the sauce well. Replace the water and continue the process until the sauce has reached your desired temperature and consistency. Give this French mother sauce a try in your own kitchen. Skip the bottled stuff. If you’re intimidated by the traditional method, go with the blender method. (Psst, I bet even fancy French chefs couldn’t tell the difference in a blindfolded taste test!) However you make it, you’re going to feel mighty gourmet when you serve this up on your table. Just make sure you can pronounce it! 😉
Hollandaise Sauce, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
Try these other great homemade sauces!Cilantro Mint ChutneyMarinara SauceSweet and Sour SauceRemouladeChipotle MayoSalsa Verde
