Adan Kendric Jamie Oliver’s Parsley Sauce is a classic British sauce that pairs wonderfully with fish, chicken, or boiled ham. Made from a simple roux base and infused with fresh parsley, this sauce is creamy, light, and fragrant. It’s a versatile accompaniment that can elevate a variety of dishes, bringing a burst of fresh, herby flavor to your meal.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Simple Yet Flavorful: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note to a creamy sauce.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of proteins such as fish, chicken, or ham.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 15 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any meal.
- Healthy: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that complement light dishes.
- Traditional British: A staple of British cuisine, this sauce adds a comforting, nostalgic touch to your meals.
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What is Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce?
Jamie Oliver’s Parsley Sauce is a traditional British sauce made by thickening milk with a simple roux of butter and flour, then adding fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish. It’s commonly served with fish, ham, or boiled potatoes, but can be adapted to suit a variety of dishes. This sauce is smooth, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce Ingredients
- 25g (2 tablespoons) butter
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 1 small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for a zesty finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce
Step 1. Make the Roux
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create a smooth paste (roux). Be careful not to let the roux brown—keep it light and smooth.
Step 2. Add the Milk Gradually
Slowly pour in the milk, a little at a time, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. As you add more milk, the mixture will thicken into a smooth sauce. Continue stirring and cooking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is thick and velvety.
Step 3. Stir in the Fresh Parsley
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley. The heat from the sauce will wilt the parsley slightly, releasing its vibrant flavor.
Step 4. Season the Sauce
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a zesty twist, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Stir well to combine.
Step 5. Serve the Sauce
Your parsley sauce is now ready to serve. Pour it over your favorite dish, such as fish, ham, chicken, or vegetables.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce
- Fish: Parsley sauce is traditionally served with poached or grilled white fish like cod, haddock, or hake.
- Boiled Ham: A classic pairing with boiled or roasted ham, adding a creamy, herbaceous note to the salty meat.
- Chicken: Drizzle the sauce over roast or grilled chicken for a light, flavorful finish.
- Vegetables: Serve with boiled or steamed vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or green beans.
- Potatoes: Parsley sauce is delicious over mashed or boiled new potatoes.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce
- Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley gives the sauce a bright, herbal flavor. Be sure to chop it finely so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
- Whisk Constantly: Whisking continuously while adding the milk will prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
- Adjust the Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to the sauce.
- Zesty Addition: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a refreshing zing to the sauce, perfect for fish dishes.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce
- Creamy Parsley Sauce: Stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche for an even richer sauce.
- Garlic Parsley Sauce: Add a minced garlic clove to the roux for a subtle garlic flavor.
- Mustard-Parsley Sauce: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
- Vegan Parsley Sauce: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy to make a vegan version of this sauce.
- Spicy Parsley Sauce: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a slight kick of heat.
How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce
- Refrigeration: Store leftover parsley sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Parsley sauce can be frozen, although the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
- Labeling: Always label your containers with the date to track freshness.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce Leftovers
- Stovetop: Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
- Microwave: Heat the sauce in a microwave-safe dish in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
- Add Liquid if Needed: If the sauce thickens during storage, add a little milk or cream while reheating to loosen it up.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce?
Yes, parsley sauce can be frozen, although the texture may become slightly grainy upon reheating. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.
How long does Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce last in the fridge?
The sauce will last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to reheat it gently and stir in a bit of milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
Can I make Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of parsley sauce by replacing the butter with vegan butter and using plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
What can I serve Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce with?
Parsley sauce pairs beautifully with poached or grilled fish, roast chicken, boiled ham, and a variety of vegetables such as boiled potatoes, green beans, or carrots.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Parsley Sauce is a versatile, creamy sauce that adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re pairing it with fish, ham, chicken, or vegetables, this sauce is easy to make and adds a touch of elegance to your meal. Perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions, parsley sauce is a must-try addition to your repertoire!
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Jamie Oliver Parsley Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Sauce/Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Parsley Sauce is a traditional British sauce made by thickening milk with a simple roux of butter and flour, then adding fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish. It’s commonly served with fish, ham, or boiled potatoes, but can be adapted to suit a variety of dishes. This sauce is smooth, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 25g (2 tablespoons) butter
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 1 small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for a zesty finish)
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create a smooth paste (roux). Be careful not to let the roux brown—keep it light and smooth.
Slowly pour in the milk, a little at a time, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. As you add more milk, the mixture will thicken into a smooth sauce. Continue stirring and cooking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is thick and velvety.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley. The heat from the sauce will wilt the parsley slightly, releasing its vibrant flavor.
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a zesty twist, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Stir well to combine.
Your parsley sauce is now ready to serve. Pour it over your favorite dish, such as fish, ham, chicken, or vegetables.
