Smoked Soubise

We’ve made a smoky version of the classic soubise sauce. It’s great on any meat or fish and also makes a great pasta sauce.

Overhead shot of smoked soubise sauce and grilled leeks on a white plate and marble counter top.

Smoked Soubise Sauce: A Classic with a Modern Twist

Smoked Soubise sauce is a sophisticated, flavourful accompaniment that offers a fresh take on a French classic. It pairs the smooth, creamy texture of traditional Soubise with a bold, smoky flavour, perfect for elevating simple dishes like grilled meats, vegetables, or seafood.

What is Soubise Sauce?

Soubise is a French sauce that dates back to the 19th century, originating from the Escoffier school of French cuisine. Traditionally made from onions, butter, and béchamel (a basic white sauce), Soubise is cooked until soft, then pureed for a velvety, smooth consistency. It was originally designed as a delicate complement to meats like roast lamb or chicken, but today it serves as a versatile accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes.

The sauce is named after Charles de Rohan, Prince of Soubise, a French nobleman known for his influence in culinary trends during the 1700s. While traditional Soubise is rich in onion flavor, its modern smoked counterpart takes this beloved sauce to a whole new level, introducing a smoky edge that pairs beautifully with contemporary cuisine.

What is Smoked Soubise Sauce?

Smoked Soubise sauce adds a subtle, smoky flavour by introducing smoke-infused ingredients like smoked butter or slow-cooked onions over wood chips. This unique flavour elevates the sauce into something truly special, making it a perfect fit for modern home cooks who want to impress with refined, restaurant-quality dishes.

Smoked Soubise enhances grilled or roasted meats, vegetables, and fish, but it also stands alone as a fantastic spread for artisanal breads or as a base sauce for layered dishes like lasagna or gratins. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a favorite in modern kitchens.

Ideal Pairings for Smoked Soubise Sauce

While smoked soubise sauce pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, here are some ideas for using it:

  • Grilled or roasted chicken: The smoky notes of the sauce complement the savory flavors of grilled or roasted chicken, making it a perfect sauce for Sunday dinners.
  • Vegetables: Use this sauce with grilled vegetables like cauliflower, asparagus, or carrots to bring out their natural sweetness.
  • Pasta dishes: Add smoked soubise to pasta recipes for a creamy, flavorful twist on traditional Alfredo or carbonara sauces.
  • Seafood: Smoked Soubise enhances the delicate flavors of grilled fish like salmon or trout, creating a stunning main course for a dinner party.

Why Smoked Soubise is Perfect for Home Cooks

Smoked Soubise sauce is not only a taste sensation, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. It’s versatile enough to adapt to a wide range of meals, from weeknight dinners to special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to elevate a simple meal, this sauce adds a professional chef’s touch to your cooking.

Conclusion

Smoked Soubise sauce takes a classic French recipe and gives it a delicious, modern twist, making it ideal for home cooks who want to try something different. The smoky flavour adds a unique depth that works well with a variety of dishes, whether you’re serving up grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or seafood.

Print

Smoked Soubise

  • Author: Fallow
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 5 leek tops (green parts)
  • 68 thyme stalks
  • 20g butter
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced, skins and trim reserved
  • 350ml double cream
  • Salt, pepper, nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Heat the cream to boiling point.
  2. Meanwhile, blacken the leeks, onion trimmings and thyme under a grill, on a barbecue, with a blowtorch or on an open gas flame until thoroughly charred.
  3. Add the charred vegetables to the cream and leave to infuse.
  4. Melt the butter in a heavy-based pad and stir in the sliced onions with a pinch of salt.
  5. Cook down gently, place a cartouche on top and leave to sweat until soft and sweet but not browned (about 20 minutes).
  6. Strain in the infused cream, a good grating of nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Simmer for 5 minutes. Blend (either in a jug blender or with a stick)and adjust seasoning
  8. Pass through a fine chinois, reheat and check seasoning.
  9. Serve with chicken, pasta and/or chargrilled leeks.

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