Important: How to make bechamel (white sauce)

How to make bechamel (white sauce):

 

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups 2% reduced-fat milk

1/2 cup thinly sliced onion 

Dash of freshly grated whole nutmeg

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons butter 

1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

Dash of ground white pepper

Preparation

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a simmer. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 15 minutes. Strain milk mixture through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids.
2. Wipe pan clean with paper towels. Melt butter in pan over medium heat. Add flour to pan; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add strained milk, stirring with a whisk until blended. Bring to a boil; cook 9 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in salt and pepper.