Espagnole

Ingredients

• 2 ounces unsalted butter
• 2 ounces all-purpose flour
• 1 cups onion – finely chopped
• 0.5 cups carrot – finely chopped
• 0.5 cups celery – finely chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups brown veal stock – unsalted
• 6 stems parsley stems
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 8 peppercorns black peppercorns
• kosher salt – to taste

Instructions

1. Make a sachet by tying the parsley stems, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and black peppercorns in a small piece of cheesecloth or wrapping tightly; set aside.
2. Melt the unsalted butter in a heavy 3–4 quart saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the roux is a deep brown color that smells nutty, 6–8 minutes.
3. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the roux. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are well browned and lightly caramelized, 10–12 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it darkens slightly and smells sweet and roasted, 2–3 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in the cold brown veal stock (unsalted), smoothing out any lumps. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the herb sachet.
6. Reduce to a bare simmer, uncovered, and cook 45–60 minutes, skimming foam and fat as needed, until reduced by about one-third and the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon (nappe).
7. Remove and discard the sachet. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing lightly on the solids; discard solids. Degrease any surface fat.
8. Taste and season with kosher salt to taste. Use immediately, or cool rapidly and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.