Name: Espagnole Sauce
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 8 hr (includes making stock)
Yield: Makes about 2 2/3 cups
Ingredients: 1 small carrot, coarsely chopped; 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped; 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups hot beef stock or reconstituted beef-veal demi-glace concentrate*; 1/4 cup canned tomato purée; 2 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped; 1 celery rib, coarsely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns; 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf

Image may contain Food Plant Pottery Vase Jar and Gravy

Espagnole is a classic brown sauce, typically made from brown stock, mirepoix, and tomatoes, and thickened with roux. Given that the sauce is French in origin, where did the name come from? According to Alan Davidson, in The Oxford Companion to Food, "The name has nothing to do with Spain, any more than the counterpart term allemande has anything to do with Germany. It is generally believed that the terms were chosen because in French eyes Germans are blond and Spaniards are brown."

Cooks' note:

Sauce can be made 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.